Free Engaged in Passion (A Bridal Favors Novella) by Jade Lee Page B

far stretch to imagine getting pregnant. But in truth, she hadn't thought about it. She'd simply wanted to be with Anthony. To talk to him, to touch him, and yes, to be touched and kissed and caressed by him, too. But a baby? To lie with him?
    Penny must have seen the confusion on her face, and she paused. "You know how it's done, right?"
    Francine bit her lip. She had read things, but they weren't detailed enough. She didn't know exactly how it was done.
    Penny cursed under her breath, but then got a very stern look on her face. "He puts his thing in you. They say it hurts the first time, but that it's wonderful the next time." Penny leaned forward. "Has he put it in you yet?"
    "No. We've just kissed. And he's touched..." Her face. Her breasts. "And I want to do it again," she whispered.
    "That's how it starts. But listen, there are ways to prevent a baby. I can help you. I can get you some things to put on his thing that will stop a baby." She looked sad. "Babies are wonderful, but they're an awful lot of work. You don't want one early."
    Francine nodded. "Can you make a pair of slippers quickly? And put the... things in them?"
    Penny nodded. "I'll do them first thing. You can have them day after tomorrow."
    "So soon?"
    Penny grinned. "I already thought you might want a pair. And I need the money."
    "Well, you'll have lots of it because I want a dozen slippers! And walking shoes and boots and—"
    Penny laughed and held up her hands. "We'll start with the slippers. And I'll just charge your father for the other things. I'll call it a special leather fee. And whenever you need more of them, you just tell me or Mrs. Mortimer. Say you need the special leather, and I'll be sure to get it to you."
    Francine blinked, overcome by the friendship this woman had offered. She couldn't believe how easily they were talking of these things, but it felt as if they'd been friends forever.
    "Thank you," Francine said.
    Penny grinned, and this time, she was the one who hugged first. Then she quickly stepped back. "Here, you stand over there, by the mirror. Let your hair drop back just like this." She fluffed Francine's hair. "Now, Wendy will be gone for hours, and I know Mrs. Mortimer has some errands to do after she's done with Lord Redhill. I'll make sure to go with her, so you and Anthony will have an hour alone at least."
    "An hour!" Francine gasped, already thinking of what they could do in an hour.
    Penny giggled. "You stay right here. I'll go get Anthony."
    Francine did exactly as she was told as Penny disappeared, but it was a hard position to hold. She was trying to look alluring, but her neck started to strain after a little bit. Her shoulders started to ache too, so she rolled them. Then just as she was doing this—with her breasts lifted and her head dropped back—Anthony stepped around the corner. Worse, she didn't even hear him come in. She didn't notice him until she straightened up, and he was standing right there watching her.
    "Oh!" she gasped, as she scrambled to right herself.
    "No, don't move. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
    He didn't mean to startle her? He spoke so stiffly, as if she were a client or countess or something. He hadn't spoken to her like that since the very first day they'd met. No, not even then, because he'd thought she was just a cook then.
    She looked down at her pretty gown and she sighed. "You don't like it, do you?"
    He stepped forward, right up where she could see his boots next to her skirt. Then she felt his finger underneath her chin, lifting her face up to his. She went slowly, but he insisted. In the end, she was looking right into the dark intensity of his eyes.
    "I think you're beautiful. I always have."
    "But you don't like the gown. I can see it in your eyes. You don't like it."
    "It's a perfect gown for you," he said, though his tone of voice suggested the exact opposite. "I always knew Mrs. Mortimer would design something wonderful for you. That's why I sent you here."
    "I