The Duke's Blackmailed Bride: Northbridge Brides Series by D'Ansey Leigh

Author:D'Ansey, Leigh [D'Ansey, Leigh]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2018-11-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Five

The new Duchess of Northbridge pasted a glittering smile to her face as she stepped out of the church on Northbridge’s arm.

“You ain’t happy, m’love,”declared Mrs. Shearwater, enveloping her in a fierce hug.

Vanessa clung to Mrs. Shearwater. “Happiness is not the perquisite of a duchess,” she said, burying her face for just a moment in the comfort of the old cook’s shoulder.

The slight pressure of Northbridge’s hand at her elbow made her straighten, though she turned away from his inquiring gaze, unwilling to show her vulnerability to this man who was now her master, at least in the eyes of the world.

Head high, she trod the gauntlet of well-wishers. Fragrant herbs were strewn under their feet. Villagers scattered rice and flowers. Northbridge’s smile was severe but the pressure of his thigh was warm against her hip.

She managed to prolong the wedding breakfast. The vicar and other local dignitaries were only too pleased to imbibe more of the fine wines from the duke’s cellar. Northbridge’s ancient aunts in their lace caps and fusty black gowns did not demur when Vanessa urged them to take more meat, more of the rich cakes especially prepared.

But the time came when every guest had gone and, except for the servants, she was alone with Northbridge. It was late in the afternoon. Rays of sunshine poured through the windows of Ashton Castle.

Vanessa looked for Pansy.

“I have given your maid leave to spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with her family in the village,” said Northbridge.

Vanessa’s eyes widened. “I should like to be advised of such arrangements!”

“I will inform you should I need to make a similar arrangement in future.”

Vanessa swallowed. “How shall I be undressed?” Northbridge’s eyes glowed. “I shall assist.”

“You are outrageous, sir!” Her voice trembled.

He came toward her and lifted her hands to his

mouth. The gold band gleamed on her third finger as his lips caressed her skin. “Come, Vanessa.”

He scooped her into his arms and held her against his chest. He smelled of fine linen and spice. His cheek was rough against hers.

“Northbridge…I must tell you something…” “Tell me nothing.” His hand curved around her

breast.

“But—”

“Hush. We will have much time to speak over the next days.”

He carried her out of Ashton Castle, down the broad steps, and into a sleek phaeton with the Northbridge crest marked out in gold.

Vanessa looked up into his face. “Where are we going?”

He nestled her into the open seat and tucked her all around with lavish furs. “Ashton is too cold and vast a place, too thick with servants for our wedding night. I am taking you to a lodge where I had happy times as a young man. It is situated privately and is more conducive to our first night as man and wife.”

Vanessa shivered.

He did not call for a driver but took the position himself, cracking his whip over the rumps of two fine white geldings that put their chests to the traces and sprinted away as if the carriage and its occupants were weightless.

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