Camelia’s breath caught as his words sent a forbidden thrill to her belly.
“Perhaps you need a challenge, Your Grace,” she whispered.
A predatory glint flashed in his gaze as he leaned in, and the warmth of his breath against her ear made her shiver. “Under my care, Camelia, your defiance will melt into submission.”
He pulled back, and she almost whimpered.
His deep blue eyes locked onto hers wickedly before he added, “In this marriage, you’ll play the proper lady. There are no alleys to run to. And if you try, I’ll enjoy disciplining you in our so-calledcage.”
CHAPTER 15
He’ll enjoy disciplining me… What on earth does he mean by that?
Camelia’s mind swirled with the Duke’s warning from the wedding breakfast, conjuring images of torture, and she shivered. She was… intrigued.
“No man will ever tame me!” she hissed under her breath.
Her chamber was vast and beautifully designed. Camelia knew instantly that the Duke would not be sleeping with her when she saw the delicate furniture and light pink decor. There was no hint of him there.
She felt lonely sitting on the edge of the bed in her new home. The Duke had left her puzzled.
A knock at the door sent her thoughts spiraling in all directions.
“You may enter,” she called, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.
The door opened with a soft creak, and a silver-haired woman in crisp black bombazine stepped inside, hands folded primly at her waist.
“Good evening, Your Grace. I am Mrs. Weber, your new maid.” Her tone was warm but firm, the kind that suggested she had managed dukes since infancy.
Camelia rose, offering a genuine smile. “Good evening, Mrs. Weber. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Mrs. Weber’s eyes crinkled at the corners. “The pleasure’s mine, Your Grace. His Grace sent me to prepare you for dinner.”
Camelia sighed. “Dinner already? I’ve barely digested breakfast. Time conspires against me in this house!”
“Time conspires against everyone in Brentmere,” Mrs. Weber said with quiet humor, moving to the wardrobe with practiced efficiency. “Shall we choose the pale blue gown for tonight?”
Unable to help herself, Camelia blurted, “Perhaps I should wear armor instead?”
“Only if you fancy denting the silver.”
They burst into laughter.
Mrs. Weber pulled out the pale blue gown and directed Camelia in front of the mirror as she began to dress her.
“How long have you worked in Brentmere Manor?”
“Thirty years in this house, Your Grace. I’ve seen dukes come and go. You’ll do well.” Mrs. Weber paused, holding up the gown behind Camelia. “Now, let’s armor you.”
She pulled on the laces of the corset, causing Camelia to gasp lightly.
“I do hope the Duke willapproveof me at dinner.” Camelia struggled to keep her thoughts in line in front of her maid. It must be the loneliness of Brentmere that made her chatter away.
“He will adore you; you look stunning!”
The memory of their searing kiss flashed through her mind, and she felt her nipples pebble, pressing insistently against the inner lining of her corset as Mrs. Weber tugged the laces tighter.
The sensation was both exquisite and maddening, a reminder of the Duke’s effect on her.
