Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
Her heart was bursting with fondness just to see the pleasure on his face, the way he was letting himself enjoy the day. It made her want to laugh out loud. They’d sat down to have a rest when her sister came and pulled at her hand. “Aunt Leti says it's time.”
* * *
She lifted an eyebrow. “Time for what?”
* * *
“For you to go with her.”
* * *
Janice peered around to see their aunt by the door to the house, waving at her. “Excuse me,” she said to Arthur before going up to her aunt who took her hand and led her into the house.
* * *
She leaned in to speak confidingly in Janice’s ear. “It’s time that I and a few other married women prepare you for the marriage bed,” she whispered, “Soon, your uncle and the other men shall escort His Grace home. You will be ready for him.”
* * *
Janice blushed bright red. “Wh-what do you mean by that?”
* * *
Aunt Leticia squeezed her hand. “Don’t worry. All will be explained.” She pulled Janice along with her towards a carriage where three women she vaguely recognized were already waiting. A closer look showed her that in addition to Aunt Leticia, the other women belonged to her sewing circle with whom she met to gossip at least once a week. She sat quietly as they drove her to Avebury manor, along with her trunk and Clotilda who was to act as her lady’s maid.
* * *
She had a sneaking suspicion about what these women were here for, and if she was right, then she knew that the fact that she and Arthur had anticipated the marriage bed would be broadcast all over the village by tomorrow evening. There wasn’t much she could do about that at the moment. She could only hope to pull Aunt Leticia aside and somehow impress upon her what a bad idea this was.
* * *
Before she could think of a strategy, however, they drew in at Avebury manor.
CHAPTER 41
“Now I’m supposed to tell you to close your eyes and think of England,” Aunt Leticia whispered confidingly, “but I’ve seen how the duke looks at you and how you return his gaze, and I don’t think you’ll have to do that. Beneath his gruff exterior, he seems to be a gentle soul.”
* * *
Janice nodded fervently. “He is.”
* * *
“Good. I am glad to know that I am not wrong about him,” Aunt Leticia said gently.
* * *
“You are not.” Janice shifted a bit, mortified to be dressed in her nightgown in front of all these women, and trying not to think about how they dressed her – after Clotilda had given her a thorough bath.
* * *
Thankfully, no awkward questions were asked, or examinations done. She was simply bombarded with a lot of advice on how to survive being married to a man. Aside from an unrelenting tendency to frame marriage as an endless series of problem-solving, she had learned quite a lot. None of it might be helpful in easing her way if this had indeed been her first time, but she was grateful that they cared enough to share their point of view.
* * *
Aunt Leticia got to her feet. “Now get into bed, and just wait. His Grace will be by shortly.”
* * *
Janice obediently did as she was bidden, covering herself up to her neck and smiling at her aunt, who nodded in approval.
* * *
“We’re leaving now. Remember to smile once your husband gets here. And be submissive,” one of the other women said.
* * *
“I will,” Janice promised.
* * *
As soon as they closed the door behind them, she threw off the covers and moved to the window, wanting to see what was happening. Sure enough, a carriage drew up in the courtyard just as the women were exiting the manor and Arthur disembarked, followed by the marquis and a few other men. They were all raucous and rowdy, looking as if they’d indulged in quite a bit of the wine served at the party.
* * *
Janice sincerely hoped they would not be accompanying Arthur up the stairs. As if hearing her thoughts, her aunt Leticia stopped and seemed to be scolding the men. Janice laughed to see her normally timid aunt so stern. As a result, the men got back in the carriage, in company with the women, and drove away. Arthur stood for a while, watching them go before turning and entering the house.
* * *
Janice looked at the bed, wondering if she should truly be waiting in it. It seemed rather presumptuous of her.
* * *
What if he doesn’t want to do that right now?
* * *
They were now married after all. They would sleep in the same bed at night – or at least, in adjoining rooms. Perhaps he would want to wait until then to consummate. The door opened while she was still thinking, and Arthur stepped into the room. His eyes raked her frame as if he’d never seen her before and she was tempted to cross her arms over the delicate satin that did very little to disguise the twin peaks of her breasts, standing to attention, unfettered by bustier, chemise or corset.