Page 11 of Seducing the Marquess (Lords and Ladies in Love 1)

How to seduce her husband.

But then, no proper lady would ever discuss such a thing. And all her life, she’d been the epitome of a proper lady. She sighed and returned her teacup to the saucer on the small table in front of her.

What if I behaved like a mistress?

She caught her breath, and her cheeks flushed at the scandalous thought. If she followed the advice in her book, that was precisely how she would behave. Or, she assumed such behavior would liken her to a mistress.

Oh, my.

Her attention was drawn by Lady Ravenshaw, realizing she was addressing her. “I’m sorry, my lady, I’m afraid I was woolgathering.”

Her hostess’s raised eyebrows brought a flush to Eugenia’s cheeks. “You do not seem yourself, today, Lady Devon. Are you feeling out of sorts?”

No. It is just that I don’t want to talk about your garden. I want to talk about seducing my husband.

“Yes, I do feel a headache coming on. Perhaps I should cut my visit short and return home so I can rest before tonight’s activities. Devon and I are joining Lord and Lady Melrose at Vauxhall Gardens.”

Lady Clarendon studied her daughter for a moment. “It is unlike you to have a headache, Eugenia. I hope all is well.”

“Yes, Mother. It is probably my courses.”

Her mother patted her hand. “Oh, dear. No child again this month?”

Eugenia thought of her husband’s scheduled visits to her bed. Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. She’d never given it much consideration, but now she wanted to ask him if he would visit on Friday. Or, perhaps—gasp—on Sunday after church services. She giggled, imagining Devon trying to figure out how t

o keep her body completely hidden during his duty call, sans the cover of darkness.

Her mother leaned in. “It is not polite to giggle, daughter. You sound like a hoyden.”

“Yes, Mother.” Eugenia stood. “I believe I will call for my carriage.”

Mother scrambled to her feet, a frown marring her perfect countenance. “Yes, dear. You don’t seem at all yourself today. Perhaps a rest with a lavender cloth for your head will restore you.”

After offering their good-byes, they descended the steps and then settled in the carriage, arranging their skirts as the vehicle moved forward. “Mother, were you satisfied with your marriage?”

Her mother’s startled look almost made Eugenia giggle again. “Whatever do you mean? Of course I was satisfied. What a strange question. I had everything I could possibly have wanted.”

“Had you?”

Her mother shifted on her seat. “I have no idea what is wrong with you today, Eugenia. You are acting most peculiar. I hope it is only your courses that have set you off.” She brushed her skirt and gazed out the window.

After about five minutes, Mother raised her chin and said, “Why wouldn’t I have been satisfied? Your father and I had a cordial relationship. I had a respectful positon within the ton, raised two children, and was left quite comfortable when Papa passed.”

“I do not know. I think women are very restricted. When we are single every move we make is watched, reported, and commented on. Once we marry, instead of more freedom, we are under our husband’s control.”

Lady Clarendon waved her hand. “Nonsense. I did whatever I chose.”

“As long as Papa approved.”

“What could I possibly have wanted to do that your father would have denied me?”

Make passionate love.

Lord, if she ever said that to her mother it would most likely bring on apoplexy. It was best at this point to discontinue the conversation. “Nothing, I am sure. You are right, Mother, marriage is a satisfying undertaking for a woman.”

A sniff and a curt nod from her mother was the only response. After another few minutes, she continued, “Marriage is the only undertaking for a proper woman. If you are having some issues with settling into marriage, Eugenia, it would do you well to remember your position. Devon is a generous husband. Perhaps you need to plan a dinner party, or redecorate a room.”

“Yes, Devon suggested such a thing. Perhaps you can consult with your calendar and let me know when you would be available for a small dinner party?”