Free A Duke Deceived by Cheryl Bolen Page B

the bed and went into the dressing room. She heard the sound of trickling water. A minute later he reappeared with a wet handkerchief and sat on the edge of the bed. “There is blood the first time, you know.”
    Her face grew red as he brought the cloth between her legs. “Let me do that!” she said, taking it from him. “And please turn your head, sir. This is most embarrassing to me.”
    He refused to turn his head. “Your body will be as mine and mine as yours, as I have said.” He watched her wipe between her legs, and when she finished, he took the bloodstained handkerchief and tossed her chemise to her. “I apprehend you would like to dress. I will see to the bedspread.”
    Averting her gaze from his, she did as her husband instructed, but conflicting feelings battled in her mind. During the lovemaking, her nakedness seemed comfortable, even pleasing. But now it was embarrassing, though not nearly so embarrassing as the idea of him wiping between her legs. Only her husband’s calm reaction prevented her total humiliation. He seemed so thoroughly comfortable it quite convinced her that all married people shared such intimacy with regularity. She thought of his words. Your body will be as mine and mine as yours.
    She truly belonged to him now.

Chapter Seven
     
     
    C asting a rueful glance at her sleeping husband, Bonny reluctantly left her warm bed as dawn’s hazy glow slipped into her room the next morning. Remembering his lips and hands exploring every inch of her during their night of lovemaking, she fought the desire to climb back in bed with him. She must see Emily off.
    Not having alerted Marie that she would rise so early, Bonny was glad to dress herself. She was not accustomed to having a maid, nor was she comfortable allowing that maid to find a man in her mistress’s bed. Bonny wondered how other married women handled such a situation. She had so much to learn. About being a married woman. About Hedley Hall and being a duchess. About her enigmatic husband.
    Fastening the last button of her long-sleeved mourning dress, she quietly left the room and walked down the cold hall to meet her cousin.
    Emily’s room smelled of a wood fire. Her bed was already made and her valise and hatboxes stacked one on top of the other near the door. Emily stood fully dressed in a muslin day gown, directing her gaze out the window.
    Bonny entered the warm room, pleased that her servants had taken such good care of her mending cousin. “You’re all dressed, and Martha’s even done your hair.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “Oh, I do so hate to see you go.”
    “But I really must. Not just because of Mama sending for me, but I long so to see Harriet, to take her in my arms.”
    Bonny nodded knowingly. “I am persuaded your mother will once again throw you on the marriage mart.”
    Emily placed her gloves in her reticule. “I know, and I’ve decided to be very complacent, and if some poor unfortunate man should offer for me, I will merely decline and tell Mama he did not suit. Eventually, she will have to accept that I shall be a spinster.”
    Bonny thought of how full and rich her own life had become because of Radcliff and felt terribly sorry for her cousin. Walking to the door, she said, “You don’t think you could ever love again?”
    “I could know no greater love than already I have shared with Harold.”
    Her hand on the doorknob, Bonny said, “I understand since I’ve met his brother. Lord Dunsford is not only very attractive, but sensitive, too.”
    Emily nodded sadly and whispered, “Then he is very much like Harold.”
    Her heart heavy for her cousin, Bonny walked into the hall and saw the door to her husband’s chamber close.
    In the magnificent dining room, a fire blazed and the smell of freshly brewed coffee greeted them. Though the room was extravagantly large, it was surprisingly warm. Atop salvers on the sideboard Bonny discovered hot scones, steamy porridge and crisp kippers, which she