Page 45 of The Marquess and the Maiden

His refusal of the marriage hadn’t been about her. He hadn’t wanted anyone. Hadn’t believed he was capable of marrying anyone. His accident had been fresh; he’d still been wobbly on his cane. He’d been in no position to woo a woman.

He had one more step in his wooing, and then she would be his. He’d already secured a special license from the Archbishop. They could marry in the village church as soon as possible. Once he had a willing bride.

…

Her cheeks still burned at the thought of the scandalous things Oliver had done to her last night. How she’d begged and pleaded with him to bring her relief, and how he had done so, and it had been bigger and more shattering than she’d expected.

It was official—she was the very worst matchmaker in the history of the world.

She’d wager she had a permanent stain on her cheeks today to match the embarrassment she felt down to her toes. Could people tell? Did she look different? Was it obvious to everyone at the breakfast table that she’d had a wicked man between her thighs the night before? Good heavens, but her thoughts were not helping matters.

“Harriet, are you all right?” Agnes asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

“Of course,” Harriet snapped. Then she released a hiss of a breath. “My apologies. I’m afraid I didn’t get much sleep last night. I shouldn’t have been cross with you.”

“You do look a little flushed. Is that headache still pestering you?”

“Sorry?” Harriet asked.

“Last night you left the ball early because of a headache.”

“Yes, yes, my head has been aching terribly.” She rubbed at her temples. “So much so that I’m afraid it’s affecting my cognitive abilities this morning.” She offered her friend a weak smile. “Were you able to ask Justine and Tilly anything last night about whether or not they’d received any messages from Lady X?”

“Yes, neither of them had. I didn’t mention mine.” Agnes frowned. “I trust them, truly I do, but until this mess is cleaned up, I want to be certain before divulging certain information.”

“That’s perfectly understandable. They haven’t been members as long as we have.”

They were just leaving the breakfast room when a servant came to them and bowed. “His lordship has requested you meet him in the armory.”

“Me?” Harriet asked. Did his boldness know no bounds?

“Both of you. You are Lady Harriet and Lady Agnes?”

They nodded in unison.

“His lordship instructed,” he said. “Please follow me.”

They followed the servant to the opposite end of the house, an end that she had heard was still under construction and therefore off-limits to the guests. When she’d first arrived at Brookhaven, the first thing she’d noticed was the symmetry of building. Whereas most large estates had structures and additions from different eras, this one was all one cohesive style. She wagered they were being led to the sister room of the ballroom where they’d been the night before.

The servant stopped at the double doors. “Inside. But this is where I leave you.” He bowed and then walked away.

“How intriguing,” Agnes said. She grabbed onto the door handles and pulled. There was a small outer chamber and another group of doors. Once they’d opened those, they found Oliver standing at a window. He turned at the sound of the door.

“Splendid. I’m glad you both were able to come.”

Harriet took in the sight before her. He’d gone to great lengths to set this room up just as she’d done in the ballroom at the Burkes townhome. Mattresses lay side by side on top of the floor, creating a padded area. There were a myriad of more conventional weapons displayed on a table as well as a basin and towels.

Agnes smacked Harriet on the arm. “He knows?” she whispered.

Harriet winced. “I’ll explain later.”

“Lady Agnes, have no fear, your secret is safe with me.” He walked toward them, his wintry eyes settled on Harriet. “You may continue your training here without the concern that anyone will discover you. This area is off-limits to everyone save the two of you,” he said.

Despite her initial caution, Agnes could not hide her glee. “This is marvelous, my lord. Thank you.”

He nodded. “Now then, I shall leave you to it.” He stopped right next to Harriet. “Know that when you are my wife, you will have access to this and any other resource you need. I wish not to change anything about you, other than to relieve you of your virtue,” he added with a whisper.

She shivered, and then he was gone.

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