Page 69 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

Teresa gives an odd smile, but says nothing. It’s as if she knows something but refuses to tell. Before I can ask her, the door to the breakfast room opens.

The footman comes in with a large box, drawing all our eyes to him. “A parcel for Miss Campbell.”

My fingers tremble with excitement as I open it up. There, on top of a white bit of muslin, is a card. I’d recognize Charles’s handwriting anywhere.

My most darling bride-to-be,

I have something in this box for you to wear on our wedding day. Do heed my advice and unpack it carefully if you are in front of others. The top layer is perfectly suitable for them to see, but what’s underneath is for your eyes only.

The discomfort I caused you when I took your bottom hole was unforgivable. I aim to correct that. The item at the bottom is to be worn in, well, your bottom. There is lubricant to ease its passage. Be sure to wear this as you pledge your vows to me so that our wedding night can be as pleasant as possible.

Yours for all eternity,

Charles

My bottom hole? Even now, arousal gathers at my lower lips. Is it at all possible to make such an intrusion feel good? Curiosity eats at me as I lift the first bit of cloth.

Teresa angles her head, curious, but can’t see what’s inside. Which, honestly, is good for me since it allows me to take in what I’m seeing in relative peace. Tears gather at my eyes as I run my hands over the jewels. So delicate, so beautiful, so close to the color of my eyes.

Underneath them is another note. I pull it out and smile as my betrothed writes to me. This is the love I wanted. This is what Henhaven could never understand.

To my delectable minx,

Nestled in this bit of fabric is a set I wish for you to wear on our wedding day. The jewels are peridot to match your eyes. Fear not. I will not wax poetic about the stone’s properties or how they came to be. This is not, thankfully, my area of expertise.

I will, however, speak volumes about your eyes. How they dazzle in the sun and almost rival these ancestral pieces. They light from within when you’re happy and turn darker when you’re sad. My favorite, however, is when you’re in the throes of passion and they turn solid black from arousal.

I cannot wait to see them turn after I pledge my love to you for all eternity. When I take your virginity, I will be staring at your eyes the entire time. I will seduce you until I can only see a sliver of that magnificent green. Then, and only then, will I divest you of your maidenhead.

Only one more day, my darling. Just one more day, and I will have you in every way that a husband can have his bride.

Forever Yours,

Charles

I hold the letters to my chest, unable to comprehend the man who wrote them. Until now, I didn’t know a poet’s soul lay in his chest. Heat fans my cheeks as I sit there, stunned and far happier than I have a right to be.

“Please let me see,” Teresa begs, pulling me out of my thoughts. “You look so happy. I must know what is in there.”

“Perhaps it’s of a private nature,” Joseph grouses as he turns the page.

“But they are not yet married. What could he possibly give to her that wouldn’t be scandalous?”

He pulls down the paper enough so that she can see his raised eyebrow, sending her into a fit of giggles. “I concede. Forgive me, Cynthia. Is this a gift I am allowed to see?”

With delicate hands, I pull the necklace up to show her, followed by the bracelets.

“Oh, Cynthia,” she breathes. “They match your eyes perfectly.”

“They do. They really do! They don’t quite match my dress, but I don’t care. I will wear them with pride. Oh!” I cry out as I shift the jewels. “There are pieces for my hair as well!”

“The maids will have such fun preparing you tomorrow.” She sniffs as she dabs her eyes. “You are going to make such a beautiful bride.”

Emotions clog my throat as I hold the box to my chest. “Please forgive me. I’d like to bring these up to my room and have a moment.”

“Understandable!” she says as she waves me off.

Rushing up the stairs, my heart pounds in my chest. What object could he have waiting for me at the bottom of the box? As soon as I get into the room, I lock the door behind me and carefully take out the jewelry.