Clarissa flinched at that thought that her intelligence or wit or kindness would hold less or no interest to Roderick. He hadn’t seemed to agree with that, but it didn’t mean her mother was wrong. Especially since the forced engagement had stolen the very romantic future he’d already admitted to wishing for.
“So you must be open to doing your duty at any time or place your husband requests,” her mother continued. “Even if you don’t wish it. Even if you don’t like it. You just lie there and go somewhere else in your mind and know that you are doing your part in creating a future for your family and your country.”
“What exactlyismy duty, though?” Clarissa asked. “What are you implying I shall lie there and have done to me?”
Her mother got up and poured herself a sherry, which she gulped down with a gasp. “A man and woman must rut, my dear, in order to create children. In that way we are nothing better than animals. Your earl will make his demands. He’ll lift your nightrail and then…then he’ll unfastened his trousers and put his member in you.”
“His member?” Clarissa repeated as her eyes widened. “Oh. You mean…”
“Yes, that thing between his legs. It isn’t very nice, but it’s necessary. He’ll move around and it will pinch and hurt a little. Sometimes more than a little. Finally, he’ll be done with it and leave. Once he does, I suggest you lie on your back for a while and lift up your legs to help the miracle of life along. The sooner you complete your duty, the sooner the requests will go away. He’ll likely even find someone elseto go bother with them. Men have mistresses. It’s the way of the world.”
Disappointment filled Clarissa at this description. When Roderick had kissed her, it had been so nice. So gentle, and yet it filled her with a sensation she couldn’t name. But her mother described what came next as unpleasant.
Plus, the idea that Roderick might find another woman to go to with his desires was a little frightening. What if he felt that powerful explosion of love he expected with another person? What if their marriage became entirely empty while he shared everything else with a mistress who he actually cared for?
“And that’s that,” her mother said, and smiled. As if she’d just given Clarissa good news. “Has your father talked to you about your marriage contract?”
Clarissa almost laughed. “I assure you, Father has discussed nothing with me. Why?”
“Well, your Kirkwood has been very generous with his agreement regarding your monthly pin money. He seems to be as rich as we had hoped. You should send as much of that to us as you can. Three-quarters of it.”
Clarissa blinked. “You wish me to give you most of my pin money?”
“Well, we’re paying a dowry and that has stripped a great deal of funds.”
“I see.”
She didn’t. She had actually been aware of how much that dowry was. A measly five hundred pounds and a little house on the edge of her grandfather’s estate that was run down. That miserly sum was probably part of why she’d struggled to find a husband. Men married for money. At least in her world.
“We have sacrificed all our lives for you, Clarissa.” Her mother’s voice was sharp now. “You will send the funds along to help us. And encourage your husband to support us with additional funds, as well.”
Clarissa swallowed. All her books reminded her that she was neverto refuse her parents. To do so would be impertinent. So she nodded even though she resented the demand so very deeply. It seemed they would take everything from her in the end, even the pleasures she could choose for herself from her pin money.
Her mother drew a sharp breath to continue when their butler, Boulton, stepped up from the hallway. “Mrs. Lockhart, Miss Lockhart has visitors. The Countesses of Ramsbury and Delacourt.”
Her mother pivoted first to Boulton and then back to Clarissa. “You see? An important marriage has its benefits. Though…Lady Delacourt.” She pulled a face. “A scandal there. But still. Let them in. Of course, we wish to see them.”
Clarissa rose, still smarting from the conversation with her mother and tried to force a serene expression as Marianne and Lady Delacourt entered the room. Clarissa couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath. Lady Delacourt was truly stunning, with thick red hair and the clearest blue eyes she’d ever seen. Both women wore brightly colored gowns of expensive silk and for a moment Clarissa felt drab in her simple white gown and light brown pelisse.
“Mrs. Lockhart, Clarissa,” Lady Ramsbury said as she and Lady Delacourt gave little nods to both of them. “I know we weren’t expected, but I hope we are still welcome.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Lockhart said, and smiled at Lady Ramsbury but sniffed at Lady Delacourt. “What a delightful honor to see you both.”
Clarissa’s cheeks grew heated at her mother’s subtle dismissal of Lady Delacourt, but the countess didn’t seem to mind. She gave a little smirk and then smiled broadly at Clarissa.
“Miss Lockhart,” she said as she came across the room with hands outstretched. “How happy I am to hear about your marriage. I wish you the greatest felicitations.”
“Thank you, Lady Delacourt.”
“We came in the hopes we could help the bride pass a few hours,” Marianne said to Mrs. Lockhart. “I know I was dreadfully nervous the night before my marriage. Perhaps we could steal her away in the parlor and giggle like schoolgirls for one last time.”
Mrs. Lockhart’s smile fell as it was made very gently but also firmly clear that she was not invited to this event. She pursed her lips. “What a lovely idea. I’m sure my daughter would appreciate it. I’ll leave you then.”
She gave a quick curtsey and exited the room. Marianne shut the door behind her and then crossed to where Lady Delacourt was still standing with Clarissa. “Isit appreciated?” she asked gently. “Esme and I would never intrude if it weren’t. I don’t want your mother to speak for you.”
“Somehow I sense she knows you very little at all,” Lady Delacourt added softly.
Clarissa glanced at the two countesses. She had become very fond of Marianne at the country party. There was nothing but kindness to her. And she and Lady Delacourt shared the sting of a scandal, even if hers was far less shocking than the return of a missing lady from who knew where.
