“Now I must go,” Katie said, stepping away from her. “It is your wedding night after all, and I am sure your new husband will be very anxious to spend it with you.”
“Thank you for helping me, Katie,” Bridget replied, turning in her seat as her friend went to the door. Katie gave her a wink, then blew her a kiss, then left.
Bridget then turned back to the mirror to take a final look at herself. Katie had helped her change out of her wedding gown into a simple white lace nightgown, removed her jewelry, and brushed down her hair. Resigned to how she looked, Bridget sighed, left the chair, and walked over to the bed.
Her mind was a tangled mess of thoughts as she lay down atop the light peach silk covering. Her heart hammered as she prepared herself for what was to come. Her first and only coupling had been… unpleasant, and she assumed all couplings would feel the same. Though the stirring of feeling Adrian had caused in her body was much different. Perhaps that would mean it could be a little better.
Too fearful to put much more thought into what was about to come, she turned to the mess that was her new family. Adrian might like her, but would his sister and mother feel thesame? She had barely made their acquaintance at the wedding breakfast. And Adrian, for that matter, did he truly like her? Or did he marry her out of obligation or protection? He had spoken many lovely words to her, but had he actually meant them? Or would he simply consummate their marriage and then toss her aside as Warren had?
All these thoughts and questions settled heavily on Bridget’s mind as she heard the door open and close. Her eyes darted over, and in the soft light of the candles, she saw Adrian watching her curiously while still lying stiffly on the bed.
He had removed his black jacket and his matching cravat. The sleeves of his white shirt had been rolled up to his elbows, but his black waistcoat and trousers looked as perfect on him as they had when they had had their ceremony and reception. His black hair had been combed into submission, but a single lock had fallen over his left eye, hiding the piercing blue.
Bridget felt another tingle move up her spine, and though she was still unsure about the marriage, she sent up a prayer of gratitude that her husband was so handsome.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” she greeted, deciding to be formal as her nerves started to frazzle again.
Adrian dipped his head in a slight bow as he slipped his hands into his trouser pockets and leaned against the wall.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” he replied, his deep voice like black silk brushing against her ears.
Bridget felt that tingle in her spine transform into a pulse as he used her new title. Yes, she might be married again, but she realized that, as a duchess, she was a station above most of her peers, thus saving her from much gossip. Could she really beherself without fear from now on?
Adrian cocked his head curiously to the side as he raised a single brow.
“What are you doing there?” he asked, sounding slightly amused.
Bridget’s brow furrowed. She rather thought it was obvious.
“Performing my duty,” she answered when Adrian only continued to wait for an answer. “I know what is expected of me. You may do what you need to do. I assure you that I will not object.”
Adrian’s brows scrunched together as the small smirk on his lips faded into a frown. He pushed himself away from the wall and walked over to the bed. His eyes slowly wandered down her body, then up to her face. To her surprise, he held out a hand to her and waited.
After a moment of wondering what he was doing, Bridget took his hand, and as he pulled her up into a sitting position, he took a seat on the side of the bed.
“So I understand that you have done this before?” he asked.
Bridget blushed, but nodded.
“I know what to do,” she admitted. “It is uncomfortable, but I know what is required of me. I should appreciate it, though, if you would just allow me to lie back so you can get it over with fast.”
To her surprise, Adrian let out a soft laugh.
“What is so funny?” she demanded, drawing her knees to her chest.
“Not a thing, actually, and I apologize for the inappropriate reaction,” he said, shaking his head. “But it wounds me that you would want me to get it over with. This is our wedding night.”
Bridget glared at him, suddenly feeling lost and embarrassed.
“I… I am not sure what you want from me,” she confessed.
“Well, not this,” Adrian replied, nodding toward her curled-up position. “In fact, I do not expect anything from you, nor do I want to force you. Our consummation would only be meaningful if it were special for both of us. If you only see it as a duty or a chore, I want no part in it.”
Bridget’s mind reeled. That was not at all what her guardians had told her, nor was it what Warren had insisted their first night when she was so very nervous.
“I am so confused,” she confessed. “How would there be a different way to go about this? Surely this is a mistake on your part.”
Adrian’s brow furrowed.
