Manor of Pleasure: An Erotic Historical Romance Read Free

not look at Nora, embarrassed as she was by her own boldness.
    "Ma'am!" Nora exclaimed in a whisper, feigning shock. As she brushed, she looked to be choosing her words carefully. "Let me just say this. I was about your age—twenty one—when I married. Charles had far more experience than I. He knew what I was about, how things worked. If there was pain, I have no memory of it." Nora blushed slightly.
    Rebecca pursed her lips in a small smile, lowered her head and quickly changed the subject. She looked to her wardrobe and said, "I rely on your choice today, Nora. Make it a happy one. I'm quite beyond making any more decisions."
    Nora laid out Rebecca's soft blue gown and walking over to the dresser, fetched her mistress's chemise and petticoat. She stopped her work momentarily and peered at Rebecca, quizzical and amused at the same time.
    "You're different today, ma'am. I might even say that you're glowing. Anything you care to share?"
    Rebecca turned from the glass to address her. "Nora, whatever do you mean? Is it not a day unlike any other? Your husband was facing death and is now healing at the clinic. You can't deny me the relief that I feel for Wexley." Rebecca gave Nora the whole of the joy that she felt in a wide smile.
    "All right then, ma'am." Nora smiled back. "You're absolutely right." She proceeded to help Rebecca dress. The two enjoyed each other's quiet company.
    "Your sister, Louisa, is with your mother in the dining room. What shall I tell Cook?"
    "Nothing for the moment, Nora. Thank you. I'll be down shortly."
    Nora left the room, closing the door soundlessly behind her.
    After several minutes and her preparations completed, Rebecca studied her reflection. She wanted so much for her appearance to please him.
    Her hand rose to her throat where memories of his kisses lingered. She followed the length of her neck with her index finger until her palm rested on her chest. She could feel her heart beating.
    She belonged to Desmond now. She would dwell on this notion until his arrival. Otherwise, every moment would seem an eternity. She reached for her favorite scent, dabbed it on both wrists and on either side of her neck. She rose and left her room.
    As Rebecca approached the dining room, she struggled for reserve and stood briefly outside of the entrance. Deep breath. Go with bold strides. "Good morning, Mother. Louisa."
    "Good morning, Rebecca," Lady Evelyn Garway responded lovingly. "You were up late."
    "Was I?" She was all coyness. She wondered what her mother knew. She sat down at the table.
    "When I retired, you were still dancing," her mother said, "with Desmond." She looked toward her eldest daughter, her right eyebrow raised.
    Louisa rose from the table.
    "Mother, I'm taking the carriage into town today. Do you need anything?"
    "Perfect, Louisa. I have a letter for your brother, Owen. I'll fetch it for you in a few minutes."
    Louisa looked out the window. "Speaking of Desmond, he's just outside. Are you expecting him?" She looked to Rebecca.
    "Why on earth would I be expecting him?" Rebecca rose to join her sister at the window.
    "Your father made no mention of him. Perhaps there are some accounts to be settled. He must be leaving for London soon."
    Lady Garway looked to Rebecca for her reaction. Rebecca said nothing. She turned to smile at her mother. Rebecca was so excited, she feared giving herself away.
    "I'll see to him, Mother, if you'll excuse me." said Rebecca. "I'm not at all hungry."
    Lady Garway did not want to excuse her. She was fond of Desmond but she had hoped her daughter would have made a more suitable match. He had no title and only a modest fortune which he earned as a barrister and inherited as the son of a successful solicitor. She wished her eldest daughter would for once recognize the futility of nurturing such a deep friendship with such a man. He was a leaden anchor, weighing her down and away from potential suitors. Lady Garway distracted herself with thoughts of Rebecca's