Page 66 of To Ensnare a Duke

A ragged groan rips from my lips as I bury my head in my hands.

“Do not be vexed,” Teresa laughs. “What is said here stays here. On my honor.”

I start and stop a few times, not sure exactly how far I should go with this tale. But seeing as I’ll be wed tomorrow, it’s not as if I can be any more scandalized. When I’m done, they blink at me, their mouths agape.

“And here I thought I was the scandalous one,” Teresa murmurs, leaning back in her chair. “I must say, I admire your tenacity.”

“If only Portswell admired it as well. I dare say he was quite wroth with me.”

“Well, it’s certainly understandable,” Catherine chimes in. “That place is not one to be trifled with.”

“Yes, but you know of it too. How is it acceptable for you to know, but not me?”

“My circumstances are a bit different. I was forced to go there.”

It’s my turn to have my jaw drop. "But you're a duchess!"

"Ahh. I didn't start out that way."

"Nor I," Teresa chimes in.

"Certainly not I," Emma agrees, still refusing to meet our gaze.

The trio regale me with their histories including the saucy bits I never expected to hear from their lips. Not only do I feel less alone, but I also feel more at ease with them than I do with my own family at times. Glancing back over at Aunt Amelia, I note that she's still fast asleep.

"I still have another question," Teresa says. "And I wish to ask it of our dear Augusta.”

“Truly? But I’ve already been interrogated. Can’t you bother Catherine with it?”

“Nope. My question is for you and ties directly in with your wedding. I already know her answer.”

My face blanches as I stare at the inquisitive eyes on me. Curiosity and dread flood my system as I try to conjure up what manner of question this might be. Would I dare be able to answer? Granted, with what I’ve already revealed, there’s not too much left to tell.

"Have you seen a male phallus?"

Certainly not the question I was expecting. Unable to speak, I merely shake my head. "I may be rough and tumble, but I have not had the pleasure or the misfortune."

"Would you like to?" Cynthia pipes up, her smile far too wide and eager.

"Wait. Have you? You're not even engaged."

"Not for lack of trying," Catherine teases. "We hope to have her wed soon enough."

Teresa leans forward and gives a conspiratorial wink. "Perhaps it is time you put your aunt to bed so that we may prepare you for tomorrow night."

Next to her, Emma sighs. "I suppose it's only fair. You both ambushed me."

My mind is in a whirl as I gather the cards and head over to my aunt. Standing beside her, I place a hand on her shoulder and jostle it a bit, not wishing to startle her. When she comes to, it takes her a moment to focus before patting my hand.

"Having fun with your friends dear?"

"I am. Ever so much so. But I would enjoy things far more if you were to put my cards somewhere safe for Portswell then turn in for the night. I will need you bright-eyed and ready for my wedding tomorrow."

"Oh. But the girls…"

Teresa stands by my side and grins down at my aunt. "Rest easy. With three married duchesses, the propriety of this household is safe enough."

"If you're sure." The older woman yawns, desperately trying to stay awake.