Hope began to fill Henry’s chest, and he took her hand. Though optimistic, he was not yet sure of victory as he watched her struggle to find the right way to express herself. Adjusting on her seat, Grace pulled her hand back from his. Her nervous movements conveyed it was not easy for her to speak up for herself, and he admired her for doing so anyway. “What is holding me back from accepting you is fear over what my life might be like if I were to once again bind myself to another man,” Grace said, wringing her hands. “I explained a bit about how my marriage was not a happy one. It was certainly not a love match, and while ours would not be either, I do believe that you at least respect me and will look out for my best interests.”
“That is true,” he reassured her. “I have deep respect for you, and I admire your strength.” Grace sent a small smile his way at his admission.
“I need some clarity on what you would expect from me as your wife, and I would like to share some of my own hopes with you.”
“That is more than fair,” Henry conceded. “Are there particular things that are important to you? What would make you comfortable to move forward?”
She took a deep breath to steady herself before making her requests. “I need to know that you would allow me the freedom to live as I choose—and would grant me the authority of head of the household.” Grace exhaled forcefully, and Henry could tell it had been hard for her to speak so plainly.
Hesitantly continuing, Grace shared, “In my previous marriage, I was not allowed to do anything . . . I had no purpose, and I felt like a bird in a cage.”
“Like reading?” Henry asked, recalling how she had reacted when he found her in the library. She nodded, not meeting his eye.
“I need to know I would be allowed to run things the way I think best, and to spend my free time as I desired.” Lifting her gaze to meet his, Grace said firmly, “If I wish to garden or spend all day reading, I will be able to do so, as it will have no impact on what you do or how you run the estate.” The request clearly came from a place of deep hurt from how she had previously been subdued, and his heart ached at how she must have been treated before that she felt the need to make such things clear.
“I have absolutely no wish to control your movements or actions,” Henry reassured her. “You asked what I expect from a wife.” Grace nodded, a look of apprehension creeping back onto her face. “Whileexpectwould not be my word of choice, as it seems too harsh,” he noted that she smiled slightly at that, “I wouldwishfor a wife to help me by ensuring my household runs smoothly. I have no problems with you taking complete control in that area, in fact, I welcome it. It would lift a huge burden off my shoulders if I knew the household staff were being taken care of.” Henry noticed her visibly relax at his words.
“Beyond that,” he continued, “I should like a partner and companion to accompany me when I attend political or social functions, though I would never demand your presence. As for how you spend your time, your life is your own, as long as your actions cause no harm.”
Grace smiled fully, and Henry felt they were coming close to an agreement.
“You promise you are not intimidated by a woman who likes to read? You don’t feel women are harmed by knowledge?” her face was anxious as she awaited his reply.
“Grace, you may read to your heart’s content. Highland Manor’s library has enough books to keep you occupied for a lifetime.” Henry was grateful he had a library to offer to her, she deserved to have the joy of unrestrained reading and learning if that is what she desired. “I dislike the idea that women should not be educated. I think those who promote it are small minded and fearful of what could happen should women challenge the accepted rules which keep them second-class citizens in our society.” If he had thought her beautiful before, the way her face lit up as he defended her right to learn put all he had known before to shame.
“What other fears are holding you back?” he gently prodded, “I want to make sure your mind is at ease.”
Unsettled again, she looked down to where her hands were clasped in her lap. Henry knew whatever she was going to say must be serious, but he was distracted by how lovely she looked with her full eyelashes fanned across her cheeks when she angled her head down in such a manner.
“I understand the duties of a wife,” she started hesitantly, “but as I have known you less than a week, I would like to ask you . . .” She paused, unable to utter the words.
“What is it?” He asked gently. “You can ask me anything. This will only work if we are open and honest with one another.”
Raising her eyes to his, she spoke boldly. “I don’t wish to have marital relations with you right away. I would like some time to get to know you better before we . . .before I will be comfortable sharing myself with you in that way.” Her cheeks blazed at the topic. As surprised as he was by her unexpected request, he could not help but be captivated by the blushes he was coming to love.
“That is not unreasonable,” he assured her, answering carefully, aware of her vulnerability in making such a request. “I certainly want you to feel comfortable when we come together as man and wife. I would never force myself on you. However, I will need an heir, so this agreement could not last indefinitely.”
Grace seemed calmer now that he had not immediately disregarded her request. “I know an heir is part of the bargain when marrying a lord,” she responded, having composed herself. “I am happy to place an end date on a period of getting to know one another. Are you willing to allow a month?”
He was surprised she had asked for such a short window of time. While he was more than ready himself to get the beautiful woman into bed, he truly did want to make sure she would be a willing partner. “A month seems reasonable,” he agreed, surprised at the brevity. “I am happy to check in with you after a month has passed, and reassess if necessary,” he offered.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” she said with a sigh of relief and a smile. He would do anything to earn more of those smiles. “Then I think we are agreed. I can hardly believe I am saying this, but yes, I will consent to marry you.”
Henry beamed; he couldn’t help himself. “Thank you for trusting me with your care,” he told her. “I know you have hesitations, but I truly believe you will make an incredible duchess.” Henry had no idea how he had been so lucky to stumble across this kind, stunning woman. Somehow, he had managed to gain her confidence and agreement to become his wife. Without thinking, he asked, “May I kiss you?”
Her eyes widened, and after a moment, she slowly nodded. He cautiously drew closer to her, unhurried, raising his hand to her cheek and cradling her face as he looked intently into her eyes. They spoke several emotions at once: hope, curiosity, trepidation, but also longing and desire. While he wanted to devour her, he restrained himself, barely moving his head forward across the gap that remained between them. Brushing his lips gently against hers, the only thought that rang through his head was “finally.”
Grace did not react at first, her posture still rather stiff, but as he made another brief pass over her lips, she softened. Pressing his lips more firmly against hers now that she seemed more receptive, he brought his other arm up to wrap around her shoulder, pulling her closer, flush against his chest. When she brought her own arm around him to return his embrace and leaned into the kiss, it felt as if he had come home. A warmth started to spread all throughout his body, and his fingers seemed to tingle where they touched her cheek. After a fourth, and more prolonged press of his lips, he gradually pulled away to give her a bit of space, keeping his arm around her, unwilling to completely lose their connection. Appearing lost in the moment, Grace closed her eyes and pressed her cheek further into his hand.
“Grace,” he said reverently, “what you do to me.”
She reopened her eyes and looked at him as if she did not know how to process what had just happened, her lips now reddened from the kiss and slightly parted. She lifted a hand to her face and pressed her fingertips to her lips. “I’ve never been kissed before,” she said in awe.
Stunned, Henry stared at her in shock. “How is that possible?” he asked. “You were married.”
“Yes, but he never kissed me.” She answered as if there was nothing strange in the fact that a woman who had been married for six years had never received a kiss from her husband.
“Not even on your wedding day?” he pressed, unable to believe what he was hearing. How had any man been able to resist her? “He never kissed you in the marriage bed?” he couldn’t keep himself from asking.
