Ravished By A Rake: An Opposites Attract, Arranged Marriage Regency Romance (League of Second Sons Book 1) by Celeste Jones

Author:Celeste Jones [Jones, Celeste]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-01-12T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 8

Sable

I am in a room which adjoins the master bedroom. I recall happier times when my own dear parents were alive and they had a similar set up. A large dressing room created a passage from my mother's room to my father's. I used to visit her there and sit in a cozy chair by the window with her while she read storybooks to me.

For a moment, I am transported back to that period when my life was happy and carefree. Everything seemed possible with parents who loved me and each other. I cannot help but wonder what might have been had they not died. The fever got them and hundreds of others.

In many ways, the fever "got" me too because I ended up living with my widowed uncle and his most unpleasant daughter. My father's elder brother. His wife was alive back then, though she had no interest in mothering me or doing anything other than what was minimally required for my upkeep. This was a dramatic contrast to the life my cousin enjoyed. As a child, I found this particularly mystifying and hurtful. Eventually, I grew numb to the cruelty.

With a shake of my head, I vanquish those memories. If all goes as I hope, I shall never set eyes on my uncle or cousin again.

How much my life has changed in the course of a day.

Is it for the better?

Well, no one has locked me in this room, so in that regard, I must believe it is.

My gaze wanders to the door of the dressing room which leads to Rafe's room. Where his bed lies.

My pulse spikes. I think about the caresses and kisses we shared in the carriage. The feel of his manhood against my palm when we discussed arousal.

His promise to teach me about lovemaking.

Oh mercy. I step to the window and press my forehead to the cool pane. I am ill-prepared for any of this.

I want to trust my new husband, but he is never serious. Always teasing and laughing. A rake who has lived a wild and adventurous life.

I lift my head from the window and gaze at my reflection.

Have I not longed for gaiety and enjoyment in my life? Have I not occasionally even prayed for such a miracle?

Is it possible my prayers have been answered?

Through the door, I hear my husband singing the words to a bawdy Irish sea shanty.

Oh my. This is not how I expected my wedding night to be.

There's a tap on the door and I startle, then turn to answer it. Mrs. Burke, the kindly housekeeper, stands on the other side with a tea tray in hand. I happily open the door wide for her to enter. She sets the tray on a table by the window and I thank her.

"You're very welcome, Lady Pierce," she says.

She pauses for a moment then says, "There is no maid currently on the staff, my lady. I apologize. But if you would like assistance in unpacking or in preparing for your evening, I shall be pleased to help you.

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