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The pain was gone, but she could still remember how it had felt.
The sting. The lingering heat. The way her body had wanted more when it was over.
Pushing her bedsheets down, Lily tugged the hem of her nightdress up and pressed her fingers between her legs. She was hotter and wetter than she ever remembered being. Her fingers stroked against the slick, swollen flesh of her womanhood, which felt even more pleasurable. Writhing against the sheets, Lily bent her knees, so her feet were flat on the bed and rubbed at the little spot that always felt so good. There was a tiny nubbin of flesh there, exquisitely sensitive, and the more she rubbed it, the better it felt.
Lily gasped as she thought about Captain Jones rubbing that little spot, his large, rough fingers touching her sensitive flesh, touching her where no one else had touched her…
Crying out as pleasure exploded through her and hot bliss surged through her limbs, she rubbed and rubbed and rubbed through each wave of ecstasy until the incredible feeling finally ran its course, leaving her limp and breathless. Breathing heavily, Lily let her hand fall away and her legs slide into a supine position.
In the aftermath of her climax was a feeling of lethargy. Pushing the skirt of her nightgown down, she pulled her sheets over her body. She turned on her side, closed her eyes, and let herself fall into sleep, Captain Jones’ face following her into her dreams.
ChapterTen
Nathan
It was his wedding day, and the entire thing felt like a farce.
The brightest spot of the day was the Marquess of Camden’s presence, even though he had to be rolled into the church in a bath chair, his face far paler than normal. Nathan was not sure the man should be out and about, but he was glad to see him well enough to do even that. His sons and niece hovered by his side.
Miss Stuart’s presence had caused several double-takes by the Duke and Duchess of Frederick, as well as Miss Davies’ parents. None of them said anything at the outset, of course, but they clearly recognized her and were wondering where she had been all Season.
So was Nathan, but that was not his primary concern today. A quick question to Elijah had confirmed her cousins were not entirely sure either, and Elijah had not wanted to talk about it. It was the parental surprise that made Nathan realize all of Miss Stuart’s friends had shown a lack of surprise at finding her in London. Including his bride. Perhaps he could get a fuller accounting from her later.
Really? You are getting married, and your thoughts are on questioning your bride about her friend?
Well, his priorities were a bit torn, considering the events surrounding their sudden engagement. The wedding was going through, regardless, but his mind tended to be preoccupied with questions, not certainties. When Miss Davies appeared at the back of the church on her father’s arm, his mind stopped wandering and focused entirely on her.
She was stunningly beautiful. The dress she was wearing befitted a bride, a stunning concoction of white lace and silver edges that clung to her figure in an attractive manner while still being perfectly modest. The lace on her dress perfectly matched the lace of her veil, and the bouquet she held was made up of white roses and baby’s breath.
Despite himself, Nathan’s breath caught in his throat at the vision she made. If he had ever contemplated becoming married, he would have been happy to find himself wed to such a beauty.
Her expression needed work, though. She appeared uncertain and not entirely happy., which was not unexpected, given the circumstances. He hoped to improve her mood. If nothing else, their mutual friends should make settling into a relationship themselves easier. He hoped.
* * *
Lily
Borrowing Josie’s dress had been a mistake. It did not fit her correctly. The bosom sagged a little, the skirts were a bit too long and dragged the ground, and it made her feel itchy all over. Though it was better than borrowing one of Mary’s dresses, considering Mary was nearly a head shorter than her. And the itchiness might be more mental than physical.
It simply did not feel likeherwedding dress, even if Josie had handed it over with a cheerful, “Something borrowed!”
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.
The blue was the sapphire drop necklace she wore, the old were her shoes, and the new were the earrings her mother had given her that morning as she was getting dressed.
Married in a borrowed wedding dress. Somehow, that was fitting to the occasion, even if it was very uncomfortable.
Trying not to cling to her father’s arm, Lily peeked at the altar, where her groom was waiting. Captain Jones looked handsome in a dove grey morning coat, which set off his dark hair and eyes. His shirt was crisp white with a high, starched collar, and the blue of his waistcoat matched the sapphire of her necklace.
Had he known? Or was it a coincidence?
Her feet tripped a little over the hem of her dress.
“Careful, sweetheart.” Her father’s voice was a supportive murmur. “There is still time to make a run for it. You do not have to marry him. Your mother and I will support you.”
Lily blinked back tears. Her parents were not the type to bow to the social strictures of theton.They had been welcomed into the fold because they were sponsored by the Duke and Duchess of Frederick and their merits as a scholar and a gardener, but they had only come up for the Season for her. They would be perfectly happy back in Derbyshire.
However, the gossip would make its way there, eventually, especially if she ran out on her wedding. That would make it spread all the faster. She liked to think their friends at home would be understanding but knew enough about human nature to know not everyone would. The ruination of her reputation would have far-reaching effects her father did not anticipate and she could not calculate. She would not put her family through that.
