So when Peter had the temerity to look so handsome at their wedding and then each morning at breakfast…and onlybowto her, she was hurt. Then insulted. And enraged.
But following an afternoon with her embroidery hoop before the fire, she realized: Peter hadn’t been unaffected by her at Curzon Street. He’d spent most efficiently despite her inexpert ministrations.
So efficiently that she wondered if she’d characterized him wrongly. Was it possible that the duke was no rake, and was, in fact, a gentleman? A gentle man?
In which case, Lucy thought she might that very day reassure him he needn’t betoogentle with her, given her many curiosities about what might happen between people when their clothes were removed.
Lucy moved her hands over the blankets of Peter’s bed, trying to find the place his cock was hiding. “Perhaps you’d like to remove your nightclothes as well?”
Her husband of three days merely nodded in agreement and set to work shimmying out of his nightshirt, all while keeping the bedclothes around his neck. Something near her breastbone squeezed.
And then he stopped moving. “Lucy, I must confess something.”
Oh dear. In the history of new marriages, had anything good followed such a statement? She catalogued the many things he could say to destroy the first blooms of happiness she felt about their union, then settled back against the pillow to hear what he needed to tell her.
“It’s just that…”
Her heart sank when she heard the regret in his voice.
“... well, I’ve not,” he said. “You know. I’ve not.”
“You’ve not?”
“Yes, precisely,” he said with a smile. “I knew you’d understand.”
Lucy most certainly didnotunderstand, and she was growing frantic at the possibilities.
“I tried to visit an establishment once,” he said, his chin down as if he were shy. “But I collected my hat and cane rather quickly after seeing what went on there.”
He didn’t mean…
“And I have never been one to upset my mama, not with her health,” he continued. “So I didn’t keep a mistress. In fact, I was terrified after our scandal that she might take a turn, but she’s not looked so well this decade. I think she likes you.”
Goodness, was Peter saying what she thought he was saying?
“…so please forgive me if I’m lacking—”
“No!” she exclaimed.
“I beg your pardon?” he asked, looking stricken.
She settled the hand that had been feeling about for his cock on his chest to reassure him. “You needn’t worry about a lack of experience,” she said. “I, too, haven’t ever…”
“But you were so delightfully bold in that sitting room,” he said, gesturing towards Curzon Street.
“Oh, yes, well, I’ve studied,” she said with a laugh. “Books. I know they’re not suitable for young ladies, but I was so curious.”
She braced for him to erupt in disapproval, but he was looking at her as if she were a fine piece of tapestry ripe for drizzling. And then she recalled something.
“But what of you?” she asked. “You were a commanding fellow on the day we became entangled. Engaged. When my hair…”
Peter giggled. The duke actually giggled. Who was this man she’d married?
“I was attempting to end any talk of an engagement,” he admitted. “I hope you’re not too upset. It’s just that you seemed as shocked by the whole affair as I was! So I thought of stock dukes from the stage and books and, well, tried to…”
“Tried to send me from the room in tears?” She joined him in laughter. Lucy wiped her eyes.
“I’m afraid so.”
