Inch by inch. The bed shook as they moved, the headboard slamming against the walls. Everyone would be able to hear them, but that was the last thing that Rachel was worried about right now.
When she tried to moan, his hand flew to her mouth to silence her. But it was short-lived, as the sound of his own moans filled the air when he spilled his seed inside her.
As they finished, Rachel knew that she was going to be sore in all the right places for days to come.
And she could not wait to do it again.
EPILOGUE
Six Months Later
“You intend to sponsor your sister’s debut?”Christopher Montrose asked Rachel, who sat across from him in the drawing room. She had decided to visit her father’s home after several months, and instead of being pleased about it, the patriarch was watching her with a sour expression.
“Yes, that is what I have decided,” Rachel nodded. Christopher’s eyes flitted to Simon, who was sitting right next to her. Perhaps he expected her to say something about needing permission from her husband, as she had always been expected to seek out permission from Christopher for everything before she married.
“And you are completely fine with this?” Christopher directed his question at Simon now, who shrugged his shoulders casually.
“It is what the duchess has decided, and I see no reason to interfere in her wishes,” Simon replied, and Rachel could see frustration bubbling inside her father.
He could hardly stand the fact that Simon was not the typical controlling gentleman who policed their wives’ every move.
“But she would be using your resources, Your Grace,” Christopher tried to argue. “Surely you have some stakes in the matter.”
“What is mine is hers.” Simon raised an eyebrow, as if warning Christopher not to step over an invisible line. “The resources you speak of are for her to use freely.”
Christopher sank back in his chair, grumbling something under his breath. Letitia, who had been watching the conversation unfold, took this moment to speak up.
“I can see why Father would have an issue with this,” she said. “Any man of honor would.”
“How is it a matter of honor if I decide to sponsor Marina’s ball?” Rachel questioned. She remembered the days when she would be hesitant around Letitia so as not to offend her, but now, she did not have to think twice before calling her out on her nonsense. “If anything, it is the honorable thing to do, givenmy title.”
Letitia gave a condescending laugh. “Your payment would be rather unconventional.”
“Then perhaps there is a need to revise those conventions,” Rachel maintained, nonplussed.
“Normally, such responsibilities fall to an elder matron or the girl’s own family. Not… a newly installed duchess.” Christopher nodded predictably in agreement.
“No, I’d like to think I’m quite firmly installed by now.” She exchanged an amused look with Simon, who did not look too pleased with her family at the moment.
“Well, how noble of you then.” Letitia’s lips parted in a false smile. “Though one does wonder if the ton will find it… appropriate. You might tarnish her reputation at the outset and not give her a chance to begin with.”
Simon snapped then and opened his mouth to retort, but Rachel stopped him with a touch.Let me handle this,she thought.
“You are speaking,” she said, turning to Letitia, “to a duchess. I suggest you watch your tone carefully; otherwise, this fragile reputation business you speak of is just as applicable to you.”
Letitia clutched at her chest with her hand, surprised. Rachel had never really been harsh with her before, but she was wise enough not to argue back, even if she had something to say.
Rachel glanced over at Marina and decided that she was not yet done making her point.
“I do not ask permission; I merely announce intent. Marina will have a proper Season, and I will ensure she is received with the dignity she deserves. Anyone who challenges that will be making an enemy of me.” She made sure to glance at both Christopher and Letitia as she said these words.
Christopher straightened immediately, while Letitia looked a bit pale, but Simon smiled at his wife, looking rather gleeful.
Letitia, clearly unwilling to accept the sting of Rachel’s words, let out a short laugh and sat up straighter.
”Well,” she said, “Father sponsored my debut without needing any duchess’ help, and I believe it was quite the event of the Season.”
“Yes,” Rachel said evenly, “I remember.”
