Free Andrea Kane by Echoes in the Mist

attend for the right reasons. Respect for the Kingsley name. Regard for the late duke. Faith in the present one.”
    Theresa’s implication sank deeply into Ariana’s mind. “You believe in him,” she said slowly, studying her maid’s unreadable expression.
    “In this case, what I believe doesn’t matter.” Theresa lifted a corner of her apron to wipe tears from Ariana’s cheeks. “It is what you believe that counts. And only time … and your future husband … can provide you with the truth. Not I.”
    Ariana stiffened abruptly. “You’ll come with me,” she pleaded, desperation in her voice. “You won’t leave me.”
    Theresa’s wrinkled face creased into a smile. “Have I ever left you, my lady?”
    Ariana shook her head. “But what if the duke refuses to allow it?”
    “He has already agreed to my accompanying you to Broddington. My things will be sent along with yours.”
    Ariana stared. “You’ve spoken with him about this?”
    “Of course I have!” Theresa’s reply was brisk. “Just after I took you to your room. How else could I make my plans?”
    “What did he say?”
    “He said yes.”
    “No, I mean what else did he say?” Ariana pressed.
    Theresa folded her hands primly in her lap. “He was pleased I would be accompanying you. He said that it would make your new role less painful to accept.”
    “Painful?” Ariana’s face drained of color. “Theresa, I retract my earlier statement: I am afraid.”
    Now Theresa did look surprised. “He will never raise a hand to you, my lady.”
    Ariana licked her lips, shaking her head emphatically. “I know that. That’s not what I meant. It just occurred to me … that is, I only just realized …”
    “Ah, your wedding night.”
    “My wedding night.” Ariana repeated the words slowly, stunned by the ambivalent feelings they aroused. She did have some idea of what to expect. Along with Winsham’s brightly colored gardens, her favorite refuge was the stables. And, having spent half her waking hours among dogs, horses, and chickens, she’d certainly seen animals mate. “Do people follow the same procedure as animals?” she blurted out, then blushed at her own outrageous question.
    Theresa didn’t flinch. “More or less. With one addition: If they choose, people can mate with their hearts as well as their bodies.”
    Ariana tried to imagine that sort of intimacy and her flush deepened. Could she actually do that with him?
    Calmly, as if they were discussing the weather, Theresa continued, counting off on her fingers. “We’ve established the fact that the duke appeals to you. Physically, that is. We’ve also concluded that he does not intend to hurt you. So what is it you fear?”
    “I’m not sure. It’s just that I don’t know how to … I’ve never …”
    “He does and he has.”
    “I don’t doubt it.” Ariana shifted uncomfortably. “I really should be repelled by the idea or, at the very least, opposed to it,” she reasoned aloud. “Which I am, of course,” she was quick to add.
    “Of course.”
    Ariana was too caught up in her worry to pick up on the hint of amusement in Theresa’s tone. “But, if I am to be totally honest, I have to admit that I also feel … well, curious.”
    “And that surprises you?” Theresa’s eyes twinkled. “The duke is a very handsome, compelling man. He is obviously drawn to you as you are to him. The rest will come naturally.”
    “You make it sound so simple.” Ariana sighed. “But what if he really is dangerous?”
    “As I’ve said before, I’ve never known your instincts to betray you. Heed them well, my lady.”
    Ariana squeezed her eyes shut, picturing the bitter, enigmatic man who would soon be her husband. “God help me if my instincts are wrong,” she whispered.
    Baxter tossed off the last of his drink and lowered the empty glass to his desk with a triumphant thud. So Kingsley thought he had won, did he? He would soon learn otherwise.
    Reflecting on the countless