Ruined by Moonlight by Emma Wildes

Author:Emma Wildes [Wildes, Emma]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9781101599662
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2012-09-03T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Alicia looked in the mirror and adjusted her coiffure slightly, draping a curl over one shoulder. It was flattering because her hair was so dark—unfashionably so—and she had been fortunate to inherit her mother’s very English ivory complexion, and the contrast was striking. Her gown, too, this evening was a deep, rich amber shot silk with tiny amethysts sown on the neckline and a deeper-than-usual décolletage. She wasn’t at all sure Ben would notice she was being more daring; but maybe she would be proven wrong. A part of her understood he noticed everything.

It was what mattered to him that was the true mystery. Her attire? She doubted it. His volatile reaction to her absence had been gratifying, so who knew?

She rose, turned, and nodded at her maid. “Thank you, Winnie.”

“You look glorious, my lady.” The young woman smiled and then gathered up Alicia’s discarded dressing gown. “His lordship will be fair struck with your beauty.”

Did the servants know she was on a campaign to win more of his attention? She rather thought it possible, as they seemed to be quite aware, and though she could never imagine the upright Yeats gossiping, she suspected he’d overheard her tell Ben he had never kissed her.

But he certainly had now.

And, ah, the difference. Upon reflection, and she’d done quite a lot of it on the subject, maybe a desperately nervous bride would make the initial seduction difficult, no matter how skillful a man was as a lover. After their wedding night she’d relaxed a little, knowing what to expect, but maybe the kiss earlier was an indication her hopes for them were not just a romantic fantasy.

So perhaps later this evening…she would find out.

Actually, when considered carefully, she didn’t really care so much if Ben was struck by her beauty or not. Oh yes, indeed, she wanted him to desire her. Of course. But it was more than that.

She wanted him to fall in love with her.

The memory of that kiss brought a smile. Her standoffish husband was capable of real passion; he just wasn’t anxious to admit it.

Perfect.

“My lady?”

Alicia turned in the act of reaching for her slippers, a half smile on her face. “Yes?”

Her maid offered a slip of vellum. “This was under the door.”

Alicia took it and saw the seal, and all feeling of jubilance fled. She had a premonition that the missive might not be the best of news and she was expecting too much of the evening. “Thank you,” she said to Winnie in dismissal, and the minute the girl was out the door she broke the seal and read the note.

Will not be able to join you for dinner but will do my best to see you at the rout later.

Respectfully, your husband,

Benjamin

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