Chapter Fifteen #2
She moved her gaze to his face, which in sleep was much softened.
He did have an angular face, with a strong jaw and nose.
His eyes, the blue of the sky now hidden, seemed to darken whenever he wanted to take her, sending desire racing through her in an instant.
She liked watching him like this, when he was not aware and relaxed.
She could lie all morning tucked beside him enjoying the view.
She let her gaze roam down past his bare chest to where the sheet gathered at his hips.
She liked what was just beneath, so much more than she’d thought she would.
Obviously, Lord Ashfield didn’t know how to have intercourse correctly.
Now she understood why her married friends were so content.
She’d never felt content before. She’d always wished to belong, and at school she’d finally felt that, and realized it wasn’t just belonging she longed for, but someone she could depend upon and who could depend upon her.
She was truly fortunate Philip had lost his bet and asked for her hand.
She did wish she could call him Philip, but she didn’t like it when he wasn’t happy, so she wouldn’t.
She didn’t mind his being serious all the time, but when he was unhappy, she wanted to cheer him up.
Still, she didn’t understand why his mother calling him Philip would be upsetting for him.
From what she’d seen, his mother adored him.
“Do you see something you like?”
At his softly spoken words, she noticed the sheet she’d been staring at had risen a bit. Grinning, she looked into his beautiful eyes. “Yes, I see you, and I like you very much.”
His arm around her tightened. “Are you getting cheeky with me?”
She laughed, far too happy to hold it back. “I am.”
In the next second, he’d pulled her atop him, grasping her behind through the sheet. “Then I’d best show you where that leads.”
From the hard ridge pressing into her pelvis, she had a good idea of what he meant. She set her hands on either side of his chest and lifted up, aware that she’d just pressed herself against him. “But it’s morning.”
His chuckle reverberated against her. “Yes, which means we have a whole day to enjoy each other.”
“I thought we were seeing the rest of the tenants for the next four days. But we could put it off if you like.”
He growled. “I do like, but I also wish to get it over with so I can have you all to myself. I’m sure once we return to Town there will be so many engagements to attend that I will see much less of you.”
Her chest filled as her heart swelled. If he kept saying lovely things like that, she would be sure to fall in love with him. “Could we meet more of your tenants than you planned today, even if it takes all day? Then we could have one more day to ourselves.”
His lips lifted into a grin. “I like that idea. I will send my steward ahead to gather our tenants, and we can meet some this morning and more this afternoon. We can even stop at the inn for a meal in between.”
“I love that plan.” She tried to roll off him, but he held her fast. “Did you not wish to get up and start the day?”
“I’m already up and I wish to start the day inside my wife.”
At his bold statement, her belly quivered.
Before she could respond, he’d rolled them over, entangling them in the sheets even more.
Unfortunately, what he wished for was impossible now.
As he frowned, obviously realizing his mistake, she laughed.
“I do believe we must find a way out of the sheets if we wish to do anything.”
“You’re far too intelligent, wife.” He rolled them back, but even then, part of the sheet caught beneath him.
She giggled as she squirmed to free herself as he cursed beneath his breath.
Finally, she managed to extract herself from the bed, only to find she needed to relieve herself.
“If you will excuse me.” She grabbed up her dressing gown and donned it as she ran into her dressing room to take care of her morning business.
When she returned to the room, she found him sitting naked on the settee, the book Sophie had given her open.
He scowled at her. “What is this? Where did you get this?”
She frowned, not liking his harsh tone. “It was a wedding gift, or rather a loan, as all the Curious Ladies get to read it when they’re married.
I haven’t had time to open it. To be honest, the title seemed redundant to me.
We are all well educated.” His demeanor changed at her words, which made her curious.
“Why? Is something wrong with it? I assure you, my friends would only pass along a book that has value.” She hurried over to sit next to him and looked at the open book. “Oh.”
“You truly haven’t opened this, then?”
She shook her head as she stared at the sketch of a naked man sitting on a chair with a naked woman straddling him. She wasn’t very experienced in intercourse yet, but her whole body heated at the sight. She swallowed hard. “I thought this was a book about educating women.”
Philip closed the book then reopened it to the first page. “The Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction. This is what is called curiosa and is usually bound in leather such as this to hide what’s inside. I’m surprised the ladies of your school would read this. Does the duchess know?”
“Oh, no. We secretly give this to each other. I think Lissa found it hidden away in the school’s library. There are thousands of books in there. I wonder if the duchess even knows it’s there. If she does, she may not know what’s inside.”
He turned the next page and read the dedication.
“To all young men. Ignorance is not bliss. Only the knowledge contained herein can provide you with the skills to enjoy the true beauty and wonder of the female form. In the body of a woman, true bliss can be achieved. There is no greater pleasure on earth than when both of you reach fulfillment. Read carefully, study well, and practice often. This is your birthright as a man and your obligation to your woman. The Author.”
“So this is actually a book for men so they know how to, um, do what you do?”
He looked at her, a soft smile on his face. “Do what I do? You mean pleasure you?”
A lump formed in her throat, so she simply nodded.
“It appears so. However, I can see how it could be helpful to young women about to marry, or those who have recently married. I think we should read it together.”
She swallowed hard. “Together? But you know all about…this.” She pointed to the book.
“I do indeed, so who would be a better teacher? I suggest we read a chapter a night. If you have any questions or wish me to show you what is meant, I’ll be right here for you.”
She looked at him then at the book, and turned the page to find a sketch of a naked woman on one side with the label Woman and a sketch of a naked man with the label Man on the other.
She grinned. “I already know this.” She cocked her head as she studied the man.
“He’s not nearly as handsome as you, but she is much better endowed than I am. ”
Philip turned her head toward him. “Every man and every woman is created differently. I personally find you very appealing just as you are.”
She searched his gaze, hoping he spoke the truth. “You don’t think I should eat more? I know I’m far too thin. I promise, I eat as much as I can.”
He smiled. “Indeed, I’ve noticed. I did at first think you needed to eat more, but now that I have seen you without clothes, I’m quite pleased with you just as you are.”
Her heart thudded hard within her chest. Her whole life she’d been told she was too thin, and her brothers had told her no man would want her because she looked like a boy. “Truly?”
“Yes. And if you doubt me, just look. I have no control over this.” He pointed to his lap.
She glanced downward to find him growing hard. Her own body reacted at the sight, and she reached toward him.
Philip caught her hand. “I think we best rise and dress. We have many people to see today if we wish to have more of the week to enjoy our own activities.”
She gave him a sheepish smile, having completely forgotten about what was planned for the day. “Of course. Maybe we can read through the first chapter after dinner?”
“I think that an excellent plan.” He took her hand and rose, bringing her close, then, following a brief kiss, he left, throwing his dressing gown on as he strode toward the door.
She threw her arms wide and twirled around. Her life was absolutely perfect now. No wonder her friends enjoyed being married. She stopped, as she started to grow dizzy. After closing the book, she rang for her lady’s maid and prepared for the day.