Page 39 of To Ensnare a Duke

"I think I've fallen in love with you, Benedict Fortescue, Duke of Portswell.”

He barely pauses in his task. For a moment, I worry he didn't hear me. Or, perhaps I didn't say it out loud as I thought.

I watch as he takes the rag away and puts it into a bucket. His steps are slow and unhurried. Shaking my head, I do my best to clear away the cobwebs threatening to overtake me.

"Did you hear me? I said-"

"I heard what you said, my beguiling little minx. And that is so very unfortunate for you."

CHAPTER 19

AUGUSTA

My head feels muddled as I open my eyes, blinking against the sun streaming into the windows. Fragments of memories crash through my skull, but none of them seem to make any sense. I remember the punishment, but then little else.

Glancing under the sheets, I note my shift is well in place. Did I dream that too? The moment I move my bottom against the mattress, however, the spike of pain tells me it's all too true.

I drag myself out of the bed and inch my way over to the mirror. My gaze bounces over to the door, not wishing to be interrupted by Lydia. Grasping the fabric in my hands, I ease it up over my tender flesh and gaze in horror at the damage done.

Dark purple stands out in angry stripes against my pale skin. Just skimming my fingertips across causes that delicious burn of agony to coil in my stomach. But how did I get back home? It's clear why I'm not in my night rail. It must be that Portswell put me to bed after stripping me of the other woman's clothes.

Heat licks up my face as I drop the garment as if I'd been burned. Memories cascade one on top of the other until my head nearly aches from it. Some aspects are still a bit fuzzy, but some stand out clear as day.

I remember the duke pleasuring me with that horrid root up my backside. The burn was exquisite, a sensation unlike any other. But then, I'm sure I fell asleep. Even if just for a moment.

It was indeed Portswell who took me home. Like a daft fool, I told him how I got out of the house, for that was the only way for him to help me back in. Now, he'll know how to search for me, how to circumvent me, but most importantly, how to vex me whenever he wishes to punish me.

Not that the last thought is all that terrible. Though, I do wish it wouldn't take so long for me to sit more comfortably. It's the one thing that drives me to near madness.

Easing down onto the chair in front of the mirror, I comb out my hair, giving the illusion to my lady's maid as she walks in that nothing is amiss. I simply want to start my day bright and early. When she walks in, her lips turn down into a frown as she studies me.

Thankfully, the shift the duke borrowed matches mine completely. She shouldn't be suspicious of it at all. Setting down my warming chocolate, she goes about the other chores, leaving me with my thoughts.

By now, she's well aware of my moods and shifting desires. We sit in silence as I stare out of the window, watching the others mill by. Soon, I shall be just as free. Perhaps not in a chap's clothes, seeing as the duke destroyed my last set, but as a wife.

I take a sip as I try to bludgeon my brain into working. Tonight, at the ball, will be my only chance to skew things in my favor. If I cannot make Portswell see reason, then I must simply take matters into my own hands.

"Are you excited about tonight?"

Dragging my gaze over to my lady's maid, I piece together what she just asked. Humming a noncommittal sound, I go back to drinking my chocolate. It's not as if it is my debut all over again. I've already been gawked at by several men, few of whom actually wanted to stop by and see me afterward.

No doubt, they were all abuzz about the more prominent ladies with dukes and earls as their fathers. Though we are not destitute by any means, we are not nearly as flush as those of higher rank and stature. For a moment, I freeze, my cup halfway to my lips.

Where are my earnings from last night? With as much as I fleeced from those dull-witted men, I can secure a new set of trousers! Setting my cup down, I wave Lydia over.

"I have a desire to see my gown for the ball tonight. Can you inquire as to its completion?"

"Miss, I would love nothing more, but I must finish preparing you for this morning."

I stop short, my brows furrowing. "It is simply breakfast with my aunt. Will not my morning dress work?"

"Forgive me, Miss, a note was left for me this morning by the butler. Seems as if you are to ride at Hyde Park after breakfast."

Blast. Of all the luck. Why now when my backside feels as if it's swollen at least double the size?

"Very well. When we leave, I would like for you to fetch it."

"Yes, Miss. It shall be done."