Page 1 of The Seductive Love of a Lady
1
Mary watched Andrew, her husband of one day. He stood before his mirror, tying his cravat. He had changed into evening clothes, as had she. ‘I shall be only a moment more.’ He watched his reflection as he tied the knot into a clever decoration and set it just so.
He had laced her corset and now she waited with her back turned so he would button up her dress.
He turned to her.
His fingers brushed against her bottom through her petticoats and worked their way up as he slotted each little ivory button into place.
They had spent a quiet afternoon over the chessboard.
It was easier to believe they could form some sort of an acceptable marriage from this mess when he behaved companionably.
She had pulled herself together after he left her alone to go riding this morning. Yes, he still claimed to love her. But a man is known by the company he keeps, and his friends were sly, scheming, cruel-minded men. Also, he had failed to mentionthat he had asked her sister-in-law to go to bed with him. How could she believe in his love when she knew those other things.
Yet, whether he loved her or not, he was now her husband. She made this choice, she had no option but to live with him, and therefore she must make their marriage work. After all, she still loved him, and sharing his bed was enjoyable.
‘There you are, all done.’
Mary caught sight of her image in the mirror. She was unable to do anything elaborate with her hair other than to twist it into a tight chignon and pin it up. It looked acceptable.
She turned to the small bag in which she had put her personal items and jewellery. She searched out a pretty silver comb and looked in her mirror to position it in her hair, to make it look more ornamental. Then found out a necklace with a small silver cross which her father bought for her.
‘Here, let me.’ Andrew took it and looked at it for a moment before securing it about her neck.
The feeling of the new wedding ring on her finger called its presence, she had kept her finger curled a little all afternoon so it would not slip off. Then earlier Andrew had tied a thin band of leather about it to stop it slipping.
‘Are you ready?’ he asked.
‘Yes, apart from my shawl.’
It was on the bed. He picked it up and lay it about her shoulders. At the same moment Mary heard a strong knock strike the front door downstairs.
‘That will be my parents.’
‘Perfect timing then.’
‘Yes.’ She turned to hurry away.
‘Mary.’ His fingers caught her forearm and stopped her. ‘Let me walk you down. What time will you return?’
‘Midnight, or possibly later. I am unsure.’
‘Then I shall come home before midnight. I will be here when you return.’
She thought he liked her at least. She knew he liked her body, but she thought he liked her company too. A vast chasm stretched between like and love, though.
They walked down the stairs in silence.
A footman clothed in her half-brother’s, the Duke of Pembroke, livery, waited at the open door. John and his wife, Kate, must have come with her parents. The footman stepped aside as Andrew’s fingers gently closed around her upper arm and led her out.
Another footman held the carriage door open, waiting to help her. She saw her father and John inside the carriage. They watched Andrew with accusing eyes.
Andrew’s fingers fell to hold her hand instead of her arm, so she could use his hand to steady herself as she climbed the step into the carriage.
‘Goodbye. I hope you enjoy your evening,’ he said.
She glanced back and saw a genuine look of goodwill.
