The Compromised Duchess

Chapter 19

Thomas stared at his wife, watching the play of emotions across her face as she idly pushed her food around her plate without eating anything. She certainly did not look like a new bride should on her wedding day and he felt a tinge of guilt for he knew he was partly responsible for her unhappiness. He longed to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but he was uncertain if she would welcome such a gesture from him.

His mind flashed back to the moment they had exchanged their vows, recalling the terror that had filled her eyes when she had looked at him. He’d felt like the worst kind of monster for pushing her into something she was so obviously unprepared for, and he hated himself for it.

When she had run from him, he’d felt an inexplicable relief, and had been on the verge of suggesting a postponement of the ceremony to give her more time to adjust to the notion to being married to him. However, when he’d mentioned it to the Duchess, she had given him a stern look and regally informed him that there was to be no such thing.

He saw Laurel's lips move as though she were speaking to him and he leaned closer.

“Did you say something?” he asked her, frowning when she shook her head without bothering to meet his gaze. She appeared lost in thought, completely oblivious to everything and everyone gathered around the dinner table. He sighed and turned his attention to William who had begun an amusing tale of his time at Eton.

“Thomas?” Laurel whispered beside him, as she placed a hand on his arm to get his attention. Her touch burned through his clothing and he tensed up as awareness of her flowed through him.

Laurel felt him tense and she quickly removed her hand, her heart sinking. Now it seemed he even despised her touch too and she fought back an fresh onslaught of tears.

“What is it?” he asked, when she withdrew her hand again.

She hesitated. She had been about to apologize for the fiasco earlier this evening, but now her courage deserted her in the face of his rejection. “Nothing...nothing at all”

“Are you exhausted? Do you require some more food perhaps?” Thomas asked, reaching out to grab her left hand resting on the table, frowning when he discovered how cold it was, “You are freezing Laurel”

Laurel gasped at the contact of his warm hands on her cold ones, “I'm not that cold,” she replied, “I am simply tired. It has been a long day Thomas.”

He smiled wryly for the first time and Laurel's spirits lifted in response, smiling back at him. “Indeed Wife, you have had a busy day playing about in the woods. Would you like to retire to your apartments now?”

Laurel glanced around the table. The main course had been consumed and desert was being served. She caught Amelia’s eye and her friend gave her an encouraging smile, before her attention was claimed by Benedict who leaned close to whisper something in her ear. From the blush that stained Amelia's cheeks, Laurel was certain whatever had been said was definitely not for other ears, and she felt envious, wishing Thomas could be so free with her.

“If it is not too much trouble” she finally responded, dragging her gaze back to her husband, “I would very much like to be excused.”

He nodded, then gripped her hand and stood up drawing her up with him, the action making all conversation cease as everyone stared at him expectantly.

“My wife’s deepest apologies” He said with with a wry smile, “But she is exhausted and wishes to retire.”

Laurel blushed at the knowing looks some of the guests leveled in her direction, so she simply ducked her head and murmured her thanks. Thomas raised her hand to his lips, kissing it briefly before leaning close to speak in a low tone,

“I shall join you soon,” he murmured for her ears only and smiled at the color that suffused her cheeks again. “Get some rest”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak and moved towards the stairway, noticing that the Duchess had also risen and was coming towards her. Laurel smiled gratefully and slipped her hand through her mother’s, feeling like a little girl once more.

“Come dearest” the Duchess said, tugging her back when Laurel moved towards the room she had previously occupied and leading her further up to the second floor. “Your things have been moved to Lord Grayson's chambers, that is where we are headed”

“Oh!” Laurel said numbly, feeling too weak to say anything else. “I wasn’t thinking properly”

Her mother chuckled and paused to embrace her. “Let me say this now....I am sure your father would have loved to see this day and be as proud of you as I am, but alas, it was not meant to be. don’t be frightened of the future dearest, remember, your brothers and I are only a few miles away.”

Laurel nodded, tears spilling down her cheeks, as she held onto her mother tightly, the familiar flowery scent that had been a part of her mother, enveloping her, wrapping her in a warmth that she was reluctant to part with.

“I love you Mama” she said, shutting her eyes so the tears wouldn't spill over, “I will miss you dearly”

“And I you my dearest girl” Her mother replied, “Now come along, we have to get you changed and ready for bed. I believe Agatha is waiting for us. Then, I must have a word with you about something important.” She began moving briskly along the brightly lit corridor towards Grayson's rooms.

Laurel had a sneaking suspicion of what her mother wished to say and she fervently prayed that something would happen to spare her the embarrassment of having to listen while her mother tried to inform her about what would happen tonight. Surely she was already apprehensive enough without more terror being inflicted on her?

Her mother pushed open the door at the end of the corridor and Laurel found herself in a totally masculine sitting room, with paneled walls in golden oak, and a thick blue rug that completely covered the floor. Two comfortable chairs were placed near the white marble fireplace. At the other end of the room, a large writing desk and two armchairs sat beneath a large window that over looked the gardens.

Laurel crossed to this window and tried to look out but couldn’t make out anything outside because it was dark. Had it really been only five hours since she had been married? To her, it felt like an eternity already.

Agatha came out from an adjoining bedchamber and knelt before the fire to stoke it till it blazed brightly then crossed to her mistress and placed a comforting hand on her shoulders.

“Congratulations, Your Grace,” she said brightly, “Tis so wonderful that you are finally married.”

“Thank you Aggie...I think” Laurel laughed nervously, as she followed her mother into the bedchamber. The same oak paneled the walls, and the mantel piece matched the one in the sitting room. Here, the floor was covered by a red and gold rug that felt soft beneath her feet, as she took off her white shoes.

Dominating the room was a huge bed. Deep red velvet curtains draped from the ceilings to each of the heavily carved walnut posts. Laurel found she did not quite like the curtains and caught herself making a mental note to have them changed. Christ, she was getting ahead of herself.

“Where are my things?” she asked looking around the room.

“Here Your Grace,” Agatha moved across the room and opened another door , “This is your dressing chamber. Next door is the necessary closet. Behind you is the door leading to Lord Grayson's personal study.”

“Has the bath been drawn?” Lady Abbington asked, crossing to Laurel's dressing closet to open a large trunk that contained Laurel's clothes. “His Grace will be up soon, we must hurry”

“The bath is ready Your Grace,” Agatha said and moved to help Laurel out of her wedding dress and into the bath.

Laurel scrubbed herself quickly, her mind in a turmoil. She had heard whispered tales from the servants of what was supposed to happen on the wedding night, but so far, everything she had heard spoke of something extremely painful for the bride, and she shivered at the thought of Thomas hurting her. Dear god, give me strength to endure whatever comes.

Lady Abbington held out a night gown of white lawn, that was one of Laurel's favorites, bought in a fit of longing and kept in hopes of such a night like this. Now Laurel could only stare at it and bluh at the thought of Thomas seeing her wearing it. Nevertheless, she stepped out of the bath and after drying herself off, she slipped into the nightgown.

She looked down at herself self consciously at the amount of cleavage exposed, her heart beating loudly as Agatha brushed her hair and let it flow loose around her shoulders and down her waist in thick masses, while Laurel stared at herself in front of the mirrored dresser, noting the paleness of her face, and her wide, frightened green eyes. I look like a sheep being led to the slaughter, she mused to herself and smiled at the comparison.

“There now,” Her mother said when Agatha had finished with her, “I believe you are ready. Now, come with me to the sitting room, we need to talk”

“Yes Mother,” Laurel said and reluctantly rose to follow her mother.

****

In the Rose room which all the gentle men had retired to while the ladies clustered in another part of the house,Thomas smiled absently at a joke that Henry had just made, his mind occupied with thoughts of the woman who awaited him upstairs. His body tightened with desire when he realized that tonight, he would finally be able to put aside all reservations about besmirching her honor, because she now belonged to him...body and soul. He wondered if she eagerly anticipated this night with the same fervor that he did, feeling a bit worried when he recalled her fear during the vows.

“Ahem..” Henry Worthington cleared his throat and looked meaningfully at Thomas, “Isn't it about time you went upstairs? I’m certain your wife will be finished with her preparations by now. No need to linger amongst us man. Get going”

Benedict grimaced in distaste feeling very uncomfortable at the thought that it was his little sister they were talking about, “I beg you, do be quiet Henry.” he groaned, “This is awkward enough without your lewd comments”

Henry burst into loud laughter. “Sorry old chap.” he chortled, “I remember when Thomas here caught me frolicking with his sister, less than eight months ago. He nearly killed me.”

“You were my best friend and I had just caught you seducing my sister in my own garden” Thomas replied dryly, “I would have put a bullet straight through your head if Christina had not stoutly declared that she would commit suicide if I killed you.”

“I'm glad you listened then,” Henry added gaily, “Now I hear you were socked in the jaw by Benedict for seducing his sister? Nemesis is a sweet thing indeed”

“Now that the subject has been brought up,” Benedict said, taking a sip of his port, “I apologize for punching you Thomas, it was a reckless thing to do.”

“Apology accepted” Thomas said rising from his seat, after a quick glance at the clock. “We are in-laws now, so there will be plenty of time to catch up later. Now I must be off before my mother-in-law decides to come and drag me upstairs. Good night gentlemen.”

“One more thing Grayson,” Benedict called out before Thomas could leave the room. “If you hurt Laurel in anyway and I find out about it, be sure that I will beat the living daylights out of you.”

“I consider myself warned.” Thomas acknowledged and left the room. Once in the hall, he took the stairs two at a time, and made his way to his study where James- his valet awaited him. He allowed himself to be fussed with for a few minutes, then the door connecting his study to the main bedchamber opened and Laurel's maid peeked through to inform him that Her Grace was abed. He dismissed the two servants and feeling an emotion curiously close to trepidation, he pushed open the door and walked into the bedchamber.

It was dimly lit with a few strategically placed candles, and he could just make out her silhouette under the covers. She lay so still that for a moment, he thought she had fallen asleep, but then she sat up, pulling the covers up to her neck.

“Thomas?” she called out softly, “Is that you?”

“Yes” he replied and began walking around the room, snuffing out the candles until only the ones by the bedside table remained.

He turned away from her and began to remove his clothing, feeling her curious eyes on his back as he undressed. He heard a small gasp when he took off his shirt, exposing his broad shoulders and tightly muscled chest.

Laurel knew she should look away, but the sight of his body that glowed like bronze in the candlelight elicited a gasp of awe from her. She could only see his back, but what she saw was magnificent. He finished undressing and turned toward her. She looked away, frightened, but not before she had caught a glimpse of his rib cage which was muscled and lean, and his manhood. She squeaked in terror when he started towards her in lithe strides, his dark hair fell across his forehead giving him a air of mystery.

He stopped at the foot of the bed and regarded her silently. Laurel slowly turned to face him, now too frightened to blush, clutching the covers to her like a shield. He grinned suddenly and grasped the edge of the coverlet, giving it a brief tug and it slid out of her hands to expose her gowned figure.

“Give me that” She shrieked, grasping for it, but he easily yanked it away and threw it on the floor, then climbed into bed to stretch out beside her.

“What are you doing?” she asked shying away when he lifted thick strands of her hair and wound it round his fingers, then bringing it to his nose to sniff at its fragrance.

“Loving you” was all he replied before he tugged her down by her hair, to take her mouth in a deep kiss. Laurel forgot about the awkwardness of the situation as all her senses became attuned to him, and she melted against his nakedness with a soft willing sigh. He kissed her thoroughly, letting his hands trail down her body to the fastenings that held her night gown, undoing them dexterously, then sliding the gown down her shoulders. His mouth left hers to trail hot kisses down her shoulders, making his leisurely way to the swell of her breasts. His hands lifted her left breast and he brought it to his mouth eliciting a moan from Laurel.

“Thomas” she moaned, as she felt his mouth begin a suckling movement on her. “mmmmmm...”

He pulled away to grip the hem of the gown, lifting it up and over her head, his eyes darkening in desire when he beheld her naked body.

“My God!” he groaned appreciatively, “You are so beautiful.”

He reached for her again, pulling her beneath him, while his hands and mouth worked their magic all over her. Laurel gave herself completely to her husband, parting her legs for his hands to delve into her hot center, bringing her to a sobbing climax, before he slid into her. She felt a brief burning sensation as pain shot through her at his intrusion, but then, as he began to move within her, the pain was forgotten and only heaven and ecstasy remained.

She fell into a deep sleep content to feel his arms around her, her head pillowed on his shoulder.

All is as it should be, she whispered to herself just before she drifted off.