Elizabeth's Education (Forbidden Lust) Read Free

Elizabeth stated haughtily, attempting to ignore the fact that she was continuing to redden under his unwavering gaze.
    ‘All young ladies need training,’ he said, still staring at her intently.
    Elizabeth couldn’t bring herself to look back at him. She could feel his eyes boring through her. ‘Well, I’m about to do some instruction,’ she managed. ‘So if you will excuse me?’
    ‘Actually, I think I’ll join you,’ he said. ‘You don’t have any objection, I take it?’
    ‘Um, no, if you wish. It will only take a minute or two.’
    She walked ahead of him into the sitting room, the slim cut of her dress accentuating the sway of her shapely hips and bottom. She could feel his eyes upon her as she moved, and suddenly wished she was walking beside him, rather than in front. She quickened her pace, hurrying to get out of the uncomfortable situation, and as soon as she entered the sitting room she stood with her back to the fireplace.
    Grace was standing demurely in the centre of the room, hands clasped in front of her, staring at the floor. She was obviously very uncomfortable.
    ‘Now, Grace,’ Elizabeth began, ‘last night it occurred to me that I wanted a bath.’
    ‘Yes, miss,’ Grace said, clearly unsure of what she had done wrong this time.
    ‘Don’t speak until I say you may, you rude girl,’ Elizabeth snapped, ‘just listen to me.’
    ‘Sorry, miss, I try to do things right,’ Grace blurted. ‘Honest I do.’
    ‘Be quiet and let me finish!’ she snapped again. ‘From now on, every night, you must draw my bath whether or not I tell you to. Can you understand that simple instruction?’
    ‘Yes, miss,’ the maid answered, visibly cowering, her voice tremulous.
    ‘Well thank goodness for that. And make sure there’s plenty of scented oil. I checked this morning and you’ve allowed my supply to dwindle. Now then, tell me what you’re to do in future, beginning with this very evening.’
    ‘I’m to draw your bath every night, whether or not you tell me to,’ Grace said, a small sob escaping her lips, ‘and make sure there’s plenty of oil of jasmine, or milk of roses, or scented oil of some kind, for you, miss.’
    ‘Excuse me.’ Lord Michael’s voice startled them both, interrupting Elizabeth’s flow. ‘Surely that’s a bit extravagant? All that water possibly going to waste, and the cost of heating it? I’m sure your father would not approve of such a wasteful habit. It’s one thing if you decide you want a bath, but to have Grace draw you one just in case, well now, Elizabeth, I do not think that’s acceptable. No, not acceptable at all.’
    Elizabeth’s face began to turn red again, but this time with simmering anger. ‘Lord Michael,’ she said resolutely, ‘forgive me, but this does not concern you.’
    ‘Actually,’ he calmly countered, moving to the centre of the room, giving the impression of supporting Grace, ‘your father asked me to keep an eye on things here, and my eyes do not approve of what they are seeing.’
    Grace’s mouth fell open; never had she seen Miss Elizabeth spoken to in such a manner.
    ‘Well, in that case your eyes can just look at something else, because this is how I want it, and this is how it’s going to be!’ Elizabeth spat, in complete disbelief that the man of her dreams would address her so.
    ‘Grace,’ said Lord Michael, ignoring Elizabeth’s outraged response, ‘I suspect you work very hard here, do you not?’
    Grace realised her mouth was still open, and closed it, casting her eyes down. ‘I do my best, sir, yes,’ she replied.
    ‘I am sure you do,’ he said compassionately. ‘Now, I have a question for you, and when I ask you this question you must promise to answer truthfully.’
    ‘Yes, sir, I always tell the truth,’ she replied, daring to look up at him, a scrap of confidence returning.
    ‘Excuse me,’ Elizabeth interjected indignantly, ‘but if you don’t mind, this is my house! What do you think you’re