Page 73 of The Duke's Unclaimed Bride
He collapsed onto her and held her tightly. She held him, breathless and satiated. He looked at her, panting, his eyes filled with love and adoration. She could melt into that look forever.
Soon, exhaustion overtook them both, and she fell asleep in his strong arms.
She was going to become addicted to these nights.
CHAPTER 14
“Do I have to wear this?” Tilly pouted as Edith helped her adjust her dress.
“Whatever do you mean? You look lovely in this dress.”
Tilly shook her head. “I don’t mean that,” she said. “I mean the thing under the dress…”
Edith nodded in understanding and gently smoothed the fabric. “Short stays do require some getting used to, but they are a requirement for when you are older and have to wear stays or corsets.”
“What if I don’t?”
“Don’t what?”
“Wear stays or corsets.”
“Well, that would be highly improper. And as the daughter of a duke, you must be as proper as possible.”
Tilly let out a groan. “I don’t want to be proper.”
“Do you want lemon drops?”
Tilly immediately perked up and nodded enthusiastically.
Edith reached into her pocket and pulled out a sweet. “Be good tonight, and you shall have more.”
“Thank you,” Tilly mumbled, sucking on it. “Who is coming again tonight?”
“The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and their children.”
“Luke and Anthony?” she asked.
“Exactly.” Edith smiled. “We will also be hosting Lord Mallowby. He was the Duke’s friend who came with us to the wedding.”
“The one who said the thing that made everyone laugh?”
Edith’s cheeks turned pink as she remembered James’s joke. “Yes,” she sighed. “Him.”
“Will he explain to me why what he said was funny?” Tilly asked innocently.
Edith felt her stomach drop and shook her head. “Ah, no. His joke was not a polite one, so you won’t understand it until you’re older.”
Tilly nodded solemnly and thought for a moment. “So, he’s not allowed any lemon drops?” she asked.
Edith laughed and shook her head again. “No, not if he makes more jokes like that.”
“Good.” Tilly nodded. “I think only Anthony, Luke, and I should be allowed to have them.”
“Is that because you don’t want to share?”
“It’s not that!” Tilly cried out, indignant. “But everyone else is an adult who should already know the rules! You don’t get lemon drops if you’re an adult.”
“I don’t think that’s fair. What if His Grace is especially good tonight?”
