Beyond Innocence by Holly Emma

Author:Holly, Emma [Emma, Holly,]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-01-07T05:27:11+00:00

CHAPTER 11

"You're treating her like a nun," Edward said.

Propped against a mound of pillows in his bed, Freddie was trying to scratch beneath his bandages with

a billiard cue. On the table beside him two novels lay open, along with a deck of playing cards, a decanter of port, a half-written letter, and a slowly bruising bowl of fruit. Edward recognized the signs of boredom but was not inclined to sympathize. Bored or not, Freddie had responsibilities. Edward intended to see that he upheld them.

If some of his anger was self-directed, that did not lessen Freddie's obligation.

Seemingly unimpressed by Edward's outrage, Freddie squinted at his sibling. "Did Florence tell you she felt like a nun?"

"Never mind what she told me. It's got to stop."

Freddie set down the stick. "Does it, now?"

"Yes, damn it!"

"You know, Edward"—Freddie cocked his head— "'when you get angry, there's a big blue vein that

ticks at the side of your neck."

Edward swore, then shoved his hands into his pockets. He could feel the vein ticking himself.

"You need to take this seriously, Freddie. Florence is a grown woman. Healthy. Affectionate. With all

that implies. She has a right to be treated with a certain warmth."

"If I understand what you mean by 'a certain warmth,' I'd rather not."

Edward blinked. "You'd rather not."

Freddie swung his legs over the side of his bed, grimacing when the injured limb took a moment to settle comfortably. "I'd rather not push Florence into a physical relationship. I want her to be able to back out

of this wedding if she changes her mind."

Edward was so overcome with objections he pressed his fist to the furrow above his brows. If Freddie didn't do something about Florence, Edward doubted he'd survive the summer with his sanity intact. Seeing her was too painful: knowing she had needs Freddie wasn't satisfying, needs Edward would be

all too happy to satisfy himself. At least once they were married, his oversight would not be necessary.

He could leave the newlyweds to themselves.

He was still shaking his head when Freddie hobbled over to take his arm. "I can't force her. It wouldn't

be fair."

"Nobody's talking about force. Florence is fond of you, as I assume you are of her. She doesn't disgust you, does she?"

Freddie looked away. "Of course she doesn't."

"Are you reluctant because you think she'll make you miserable?"

"No one could think that."

"Then do it, Freddie. Treat her like a woman. You have to face it someday. You'd like children,

wouldn't you?"

"You know I would." Freddie's voice was rough. He drew a ragged breath and let it out. "Very well.

I'll do it. I'll treat her... warmly. But I won't compromise her virtue. You mustn't ask that."

"I don't," Edward said, his stomach tightening in contradiction to his relief. This was good. Freddie

was agreeing. "Just stop treating her like a brother."

"I shall be a perfect Casanova." Freddie's face twisted. He turned his back. "You can leave now.

You've made your point—though I doubt it's what you really want."

This last was muttered so far beneath Freddie's breath Edward wasn't certain he'd heard.

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