The Duke's Reform by Fenella J Miller Read Free Book Online Page B

almost have thought she'd imagined the whole thing apart
from a delicious ache between her legs which told her she was no longer a
girl—but a woman.
          Today was her
wedding day, she had never been so happy in her whole life. To be marrying the
man she loved, who had shown her by his actions last night that he felt the
same way, was something to celebrate.
          The sound of
water being poured into her bath meant it was already late. Where was Mary? It
was usual for her abigail to be there with her morning
chocolate long before this. Isobel leapt out of bed shocked to see the
tell-tale blood stain on the sheets. She had pre-empted her wedding night, her
relatives would be scandalized, but she didn't care.
          Alexander had
come to her because he knew how scared she was. By making love to her last
night he’d demonstrated his care for her. She was the luckiest girl in England,
and in two short hours she would be his wife— nothing could spoil her joy in
the day.
          Impatiently she
rang the bell that stood beside the bed. Mary could remove the evidence and
keep it out of sight until tomorrow; with luck her secret would remain just
that. The dressing room door opened and a strange young woman came in. She had
pinched features and sharp knowing eyes.
          'You rang, my
lady? I've your bath ready; his grace said you would not be requiring breakfast
this morning.'
          'Where is my
abigail? I don't wish to be attended by strangers this morning.'
          The woman
curtsied stiffly, her lips curled but the smile did not reach her eyes.
'Watkins left here first thing with the luggage. I'm now your personal maid.
His grace appointed me himself to take care of you in future.'
          Isobel turned
away too upset to remonstrate with this supercilious intruder. Had everything
they'd shared last night meant nothing? The man she thought Alexander to be
would not have dismissed Mary without speaking to her first. He had sent away the
only familiar face in this barracks of a building. She was to be alone with him
and was no longer sure of his feelings.
          In frosty
silence she allowed this unwanted woman to help her dress. Her joy in the day
had gone. She couldn't bear to think Mary thought this was her decision. This
would mean Mary's husband Sam, who was her personal groom, would have gone as
well.
          As soon as the
last pin was pushed into her hair she stalked from the room and along the wide
passageway. She could hear the church bells ringing. Newcomb had its own place
of worship in the grounds and she was to be married there.
          Her parents were
waiting for her in the vast entrance hall. There was no sign
of her other relatives . Their presence would have alleviated the tension,
lifted her spirits just a little. 'Mama, Papa, did you know Rochester has
dismissed Mary? She's gone without even the opportunity to say goodbye, and
after all she's been to me these past years.'
          'Isobel, we had no
idea she was not to remain here. These things are no longer under our control;
you must abide by your husband's decisions in future. I'm sure you'll soon come
to appreciate the superior woman he has appointed for you.'
          ‘I haven’t
bothered to ask her name for she's a stiff and unpleasant person, I shall
insist that she is dismissed, but not today. In a week or two I shall ask my
husband to reinstate Mary and Sam as a favour to me.'
          Her father
scowled at her as if she had no right to criticise the
man who'd given him a fortune in exchange for his daughter. 'I wish to hear no
more of your complaints, miss. You’re tardy and Rochester has been awaiting
your appearance in the church for five minutes already.'
          He offered his arm
and she had no recourse but to take it. Before she had time to think she was
being marched firmly down the aisle and was standing beside her future husband.
She felt a wave of despair when he turned