Page 27 of Unwrapping the Duke

“Nor should you see a thing. We are not married. Nor do I believe a woman should be naked and on display as you have been. It cannot be proper,” Bethany argued.

“Yes, but we will be married as soon as I can obtain a Special License.”

“You have not even asked my father. Not that I believe he would object, but you must speak with him first.”

Leopold turned and opened her trunk. “Which dress would you like to wear?”

Bethany got out of bed and walked to her trunk and removed a dressing gown. She would attire herself more properly after she had bathed and dried off completely. Her concern was Leopold’s silence.

“You were going to speak with my father, were you not?”

“He already knows.” Leopold glanced away.

“What does he know?” Bethany demanded as panic set in.

“Jason was unable to lie and when pressed, told your family and mine everything. Your father is expecting me as soon as I am well enough to travel.”

Thank goodness they had finally been honest with each other, or the marriage her father would force would be a nightmare. “Why did they not come right away to check on your condition?”

“I asked Jason the same, and he claimed he thought I was on the mend and only needed to rest to recover completely and as we had already been here for a few days, there was no longer a need to rush to my rescue or to preserve your reputation.”

He was correct.

“When do you wish to leave?” she asked, no longer eager to join her family.

“The doctor did insist I rest at least a sennight and it has only been five days.”

Leopold turned her around so that her back was to him. “I also know exactly how we are going to spend those two days.” As he unbuttoned the back of her dress, he kissed the side of her neck. “It is Christmas and as you have already unwrapped your duke, I intend to unwrap my future duchess.”