Page 160 of Harpy of the Ton
“You can trust me, Lady Arabella.”
There was a knock, and before Bella could respond, Dunton’s footman entered.
“The master doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Bella fixed him with a cold stare. “Thomas, how dare you enter my chamber! I’ll have you whipped for that.”
She exited the chamber, pushing him aside.
“Do not follow me,” she said. “I know the way, and am not in need of a gaoler.”
He merely grinned, then followed her to the breakfast room, where Dunton and Aunt Kathleen were already seated at the table. The duke rose to his feet.
“You’re late, child,” Aunt Kathleen said.
“I came as soon as I heard the gong, Aunt.”
Dunton settled back into his seat as Bella took her place. “Thomas, my fiancée is hungry,” he said.
Bella waved the footman away. “I’m not hungry. Fetch me some tea.”
“You must eat, my dear,” Dunton said. “Thomas, bring her some eggs.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
The footman spooned eggs onto a plate and placed it in front of her.
Dunton nodded toward the plate. “Eat, my dear.”
“Isaid, I’m not hungry,” Bella snapped. “Must I always bow to your demands?”
“A wife must obey her husband,” he replied. “It’s better for her if she learns her place sooner, rather than later.” He leaned forward. “Now.Eat.”
Bella shivered as invisible fingers brushed the back of her neck. She took up her fork and picked up a mouthful of eggs, which wobbled and glistened in the sunlight. Her stomach churned, but Dunton continued to stare, his gaze darkening. Ignoring the rising tide of nausea, she slipped the fork into her mouth, then swallowed.
“That’s better,” Dunton said.
Aunt Kathleen smiled coldly. “I told you my niece would learn her place eventually.”
“Perhaps, but she’d benefit from a little more correction. She cannot be seen to deviate from the righteous path.”
“Righteous?” Bella let out a mirthless laugh. “You dare lecturemeon righteousness?”
Dunton’s eyes narrowed. “Have a care, my dear. You forget to whom you are speaking.”
“I know perfectly well to whom I’m speaking,” Bella replied. “A man who’s debauched countless young women, including my friend, Miss Howard.”
“Friend!” Dunton scoffed. “Juliette Howard whored herself in an attempt to marry above her station. The devil knows who sired her bastard. But at least I’ll not have that problem with you.”
“What do you mean?” Bella asked.
“Hush, girl!” Aunt Kathleen said. “It’s not seemly to speak of such things.”
Her aunt and Dunton exchanged a glance, and Bella’s cheeks warmed with shame.
“Has your maid been inspecting my bedsheets, Aunt?” she asked.
“Isaid, don’t speak of it!” Aunt Kathleen said, rising to her feet. “I thought I’d raised you better than that, yet you talk like a whore. You should be grateful His Grace is still willing to take you on.”
