Page 86

The conversation between them became stilted. Eleanor knew that the duke would not feel nervous about what was to come as she did.

Gabriel picked up his glass and drained the remainder. Then he stood up.

Eleanor stood with him, unsure what to do.

She stood beside Gabriel, waiting for him to make the first move.

When he walked from the table, she followed him. Her heart beat quicker as she walked with the duke through the hall and then out of it. She didn’t know where the duke’s bedchambers were, nor did she know where her clothes had been taken.

She wished she had asked all these questions, but her mind was fixed on how she would perform her wifely duty with her new husband.

Her core tingled in anticipation of what she would feel, and butterflies flapped in her stomach at what she must make him feel. Her fingers tingled at the thought of touching his body.

And then she felt another shiver at the thought of doing so. What if she couldn’t pleasure him?

Eleanor followed the duke’s lead, hoping she could do so through everything.

They walked toward the main entrance, then took a flight of stairs up to the first level, and then down a dark hallway, lit with flickering lanterns.

The duke stopped outside an open door, where a dancing light came from inside; a fire had been lit.

Gabriel stopped at the door and turned to Eleanor.

“I had them bring all of your belongings to your bedchamber. I hope that the room is to your liking.”

“I know that it will be,” Eleanor replied. She was unsure now what was happening.

“I don’t wish to cause you any strain or pressure you on what has been a very tense day,” Gabriel continued. “I thought it best that we both retreat to our separate bedchambers for tonight.”

It felt like a weight had been lifted from Eleanor’s shoulders, and she almost let out a sigh of relief. She would not need to discover whether she was good enough for the duke that night.

“I am tired after such a long day,” Eleanor admitted truthfully. “I appreciate the consideration.” She would need to pleasure him eventually, but was glad for the delay.

“Do you need anything before you retire to bed?” he asked her.

Eleanor shook her head.

Relief mixed with disappointment. She yearned for his touch and to feel wanted by him. She wanted to lie in his arms and forget about her troubles for the rest of the night.

“Then I shall see you for breakfast in the morning if you are up,” Gabriel told her. “Sleep as late as you like.”

“Thank you, Gabriel,” Eleanor said, still waiting for something more, even just a kiss from him.

“Good.” Gabriel turned from Eleanor and left for his own bedchambers.

Eleanor watched the duke and his broad shoulders walk away from her.

She turned and entered the room to find a maid waiting to help her.

“Please leave me,” Eleanor instructed softly.

“Of course, Your Grace,” the maid said. She retreated from the room with her head bowed.

Eleanor didn’t think she would ever get used to being addressed as a duchess. She followed the maid to the door, waited a few seconds, and then closed it.

She was truly alone.

Eleanor walked slowly over to the bed and fell down onto it without even kicking off her boots. She brought her knees to her chest, lying in the fetal position.