Page 38 of Deviant Duchess
“It means, girl, that if you do not want fresh rumors spreading about your family, you must keep that husband of yours happy,” Frances whispered.
“You must ensure that he is pursuing you andonlyyou. Marriage does not make you untouchable, despite what most say. The last thing you want is to hear rumors of your husband still visiting brothels. Or worse, have a servant or a pillow girl appear at your door with an illegitimate child.”
France’s expression softened, if only a little, and she put a hand on Deborah’s arm.
“It is not just the rumors I worry about either, Deborah. It is you. Our family has gone through so much heartache already. I do not wish to take on anymore.”
Deborah ground her jaw in frustration, but she had to admit- her mother had a point. Any such rumors could ruin her plans of revenge, and that would not do. As for heartache, she and Cedric seemed to be reaching a place of companionship, but she was certain that would never grow to love. Still, they needed to pretend to be, for society’s sake, and it would not hurt to make the illusion appear as real as possible.
“What do you suggest then, Mother?” Deborah asked, then stole a quick glance toward Grace and Adeline, wanting to ensure that they were far enough away to not hear their conversation.
Frances smirked and coaxed Deborah to follow her with her finger.
Deborah spared one more glance toward Adeline. The girl had bounced back with surprising quickness after her last episode. She had not taken to rest, as Deborah had been warned she would, but had seemed to awaken the next morning with gusto, ready to take on the day. She had even wanted Deborah to teach her how to sew. Then, when they told her they were going back to London, Adeline became so excited that she started to pack her things herself. The only problem that arose was that Adeline would not talk about what happened, and she became annoyed quickly whenever someone asked how she was feeling.
Adeline and Grace had moved on to looking at gloves, but it seemed that Adeline was feeling just as fine as she looked. Deborah’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer, then she turned and followed her mother to the section of already-madegarments. Her mother was standing beside a nightgown, holding out the skirts for Deborah to see.
Deborah’s eyes widened, and her heart skipped a beat as she grew closer, realizing only then that the snow-white gossamer gown was practically see-through.
“Mother!” Deborah half-whispered, half-shouted.
“Hush,” Frances scolded, then took a quick look around, ensuring that they had not drawn attention.
“You are a woman now,” Frances said, her tone still quiet but calmer now, “And a wife. A wife must make certain that her husband does not stray.”
Deborah balked as she took a closer look at the nightgown. There were only two tiny strips of cloth that served as sleeves. The neckline plunged far lower than any she had ever seen, and sewn into the under-bust was a white ribbon. Frances reached out and pulled it, showing Deborah how it cinched.
“Men are visual creatures,” Frances explained in a quiet voice, “You would be surprised how many are struck dumb by the appearance of a woman’s flesh.”
Deborah knew that much. She’d seen many a woman rile the crowd at the auction wearing a revealing dress. None of them had been this revealing, though.
Deborah shook her head.
“Our marriage is not like that, Mother. The Duke and I have a contract. That alone ensures his discretion,” she replied.
Even as she said so, though, Frances removed the ankle-length nightgown from the mannequin and wrapped it into a small ball.
“There is nothing wrong with having a bit of insurance,” her mother replied quietly. “Now come, let us get you fitted for your ball gown. While you are taking care of that, I will purchase this and have it wrapped discreetly for you.”
Deborah opened her mouth to protest, but Frances then said quite loudly, “Come along!”
Jolted out of her shock, Deborah snapped her mouth shut and hurried to follow her mother.
“How was shopping?” Cedric murmured behind his newspaper as Deborah and Adeline entered the parlor.
“You may set the bags over there,” Deborah sighed, ignoring Cedric’s question so she could direct the valet.
When she did not answer him, Cedric put down his newspaper and looked at them with an arched brow. Then his gaze shiftedto the small mountain of parcels just deposited on the floor, and his mouth dropped open.
Deborah let out a laugh, and even Adeline giggled at his surprised expression.
“What did you do?” He asked, wrenching his surprised gaze back toward them, “Buy out every shop in London?”
“Just about,” Deborah replied, pulling off her elbow-length white gloves. “Adeline and I discovered that she has been rapidly growing out of her old dresses, so we decided it was best we get her a new wardrobe. These are just the purchases we were able to bring home today. There are several more that will be delivered within the next few weeks.”
Cedric was still looking at her as if she had gone mad when Deborah placed a soft touch on Adeline’s shoulder and gently asked, “Do you remember I told you to say to your uncle?”
Though Adeline looked as if she were about to roll her eyes for a moment, the girl seemed to fight it and took a step toward Cedric as she put her hands behind her back and offered him a smile.
