Page 54 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“It’s not fault, exactly. It’s more that he’s… He’s good.”

“Good?” she chuckles. “I would hope you’d be with a man who is good.”

“Yes, but… Not like the rest of the men. Not…”

“Deviant?” she supplies.

“Exactly so.”

“I don’t think you need to worry quite so much. Most men do not let on their deepest desires until after the wedding. It would be quite untoward.”

“Is that how it was between you and Foxford?”

“Oh, heavens no,” she laughs. “But then, I was a stubborn wench who needed a quick trip over his knee quite often. It came as no surprise when he tied me to the bed on our wedding night.”

A blush heats my face as I duck my head. “I didn’t imagine it then? You did scream out at your wedding breakfast, and not because you saw his anatomy for the first time?”

As she opens her mouth, a footman steps into the room. “A Lord Henhaven to see Miss Campbell.”

Teresa smiles, turns to unlatch Thomas, and fixes her fichu. “Such conversations must wait for a later time. Bring him in! I’ve quite longed to meet the man who would be your husband. Thomas should be quite settled. If you please, we are ready.”

Teresa and I watch as he walks to the entryway and eases in, bowing before coming in fully. “Thank you for your patience, Your Grace,” he says to Teresa. “I apologize for interrupting your time with your son.”

“Nonsense,” she cries out, pointing to an empty chair. “He is quite well. Please. Have a seat.”

Henhaven walks over, his movements stiff and slow. As he sits, a small wince crosses his face.

“My lord,” I ask. “Are you well?”

He gives me a small smile that doesn’t reach his eyes. “You must forgive me. I inquired after you at the Barrington home, but found you had left just this morning. I was unaware of your desire to leave, and so made haste over here. It should be me asking you if everything is well with you.”

Though my bottom still aches and my body feels battered and bruised, I smile as sweetly as I can muster. “I am moving far more freely than you are.”

“No doubt your good friend the Duke of Norhaven has told you of my plight.”

I sit forward, concern furrowing my brows. “Norhaven has not said one word to me in regard to you.” That is, nothing worth saying, anyway. “Please, be blunt with your words. What is your meaning?”

He chuckles then clutches his side for a moment before bringing his hands back down to his lap. “Nothing more than a friendly spar at Jackson’s. My arse was handed to me most resoundingly.”

Though he laughs, I can tell it’s not all genuine. Not in a mean or malicious way, but that interaction might not have been nearly as friendly as he lets on. Even now, he protects Norhaven since he and his family are my friends. Is there any fault to be found with the man?

Only that he’s not deviant. I suppose I should put such childish needs aside. He is a good man, and will, no doubt, be an upstanding husband.

“Word was not sent to me. And you are well? Truly?”

“Truly,” he smiles, this time a touch more warmly and inviting. “It does my heart good that you have such concern for me.”

Guilt eats at my insides as I force another smile to my face. Of course he thinks I cared nothing for him before now. It’s not Henhaven’s fault that he got to my father first. Or that he wanted me badly enough to actually ask for my hand.

Teresa props Thomas up against her shoulder and pats his back. “How fare the wedding plans? I fear I’ve not been kept much in the conversation.”

“I was hoping to finish planning this afternoon. That is, if you’re amenable, Miss Campbell?”

“Of course. Our wedding approaches in nearly a week. All must be settled.”

“Excellent.”

His eyes light up as he discusses possible flowers and arrangements. Every option he puts forward, I accept with as much grace as I can muster. Teresa does her best to engage me as well, but I find every crack in my heart splintering with each plan.