Lily’s expression turned more sympathetic. “When Heath kisses me, I lose all ability to reason, so I am not surprised that Rotham affects you that way. He does have a reputation for being a devil with the ladies. That is partly why they call him ‘the Devil Duke.’ But I hate to think of you wedding him, Tess. It is such a mismatch.”
“I know,” she agreed feelingly.
“You are a veritable angel compared to his devil,” Lily added with a faint scowl. “But Lady Wingate insists that you will marry him. You know we will stand by you if you choose to defy her.”
“In good conscience, I don’t believe I can defy her,” Tess replied quietly.
She couldn’t lightly dismiss her obligations to her godmother, not after all the baroness had done for her. As girls, Judith and Tess’s mother, Susan, had been bosom friends and attended school together. With no children of her own, Judith considered Tess more a daughter than goddaughter. After Tess’s father died from a fall in a hunting accident when she was sixteen, the baroness had borne the expense of a London Season, and utilized her role as a leader of society to gain Tess’s entry to the best circles.
When recently Lady Wingate began pushing her to consider matrimony again, Tess had been willing to do so. But Rotham would have been her very last choice for her husband.…
Upon seeing the despairing look on her face, Lily wrapped her arms tightly around Tess, hugging her close. “I suppose you will have to marry him,” she said, finally drawing back.
“Yes, I suppose I will. The alternative is unthinkable.” Tess forced a smile, despite her feeling of helplessness. “If I refuse, I will dwindle into an old maid and play the fond aunt to your children instead of having children of my own. Worse, everything I have worked for these past years will be totally wrecked.”
“What does Rotham say?”
“He wants the ceremony to be held tomorrow. In fact, he has gone to London to procure a special license.”
“So soon?” Lily’s tone held the same dismay that Tess’s had.
“In his view, if we must wed, it is best done quickly, before the scandal has time to set in.”
Worry darkened Lily’s features. “What do you plan to do now, Tess? Is there any way I can help you?”
“I think I want to go home. I don’t feel capable of pretending we are making a love match, as Lady Wingate wishes us to do.”
“I will accompany you. You shouldn’t be alone at a time like this. Heath can remain here and woo Lady Wingate’s houseguests for their donations.”
Tess shook her head. “I would rather you stay and assume my role. Dorothy will be at home to console me,” she said of her companion, Dorothy Croft.
“Are you certain?” Lily asked, sounding unpersuaded.
“Yes. I can manage on my own, dearest. The most pressing decision is where to hold the ceremony. I planned to marry Richard in the village where we grew up, but it doesn’t seem right to use the Chiswick church with Rotham.”
“Why not Danvers Hall? You know Arabella will support you in any way possible.”
The Loring sisters had lived at Danvers Hall in Chiswick for several years, before the estate was inherited by the new Earl of Danvers, Marcus Pierce. After Arabella, the eldest sister, had wed Marcus, she continued to make her home there, while Roslyn and Lily had moved out to live with their new husbands.
Tess pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Danvers Hall might work.”
“Then I will write Arabella at once and let her know.” Lily shook her head in disbelief. “Just think, Tess, by this time tomorrow you could be married and preparing for your wedding night.”
At the realization, Tess couldn’t suppress a shiver. Rotham had promised they could live separate lives after the consummation, but she still had the wedding night to get through.
Heaven help her.
She didn’t want to share a marital bed with him, even for one night. She didn’t want him arousing her or tempting her or overwhelming her with his devastatingly sensual kisses. Her wild response to him earlier today had frightened her. Never in her life had she ever lost control like that—
Lily evidently comprehended her reservations, for she offered a suggestion. “If you are worried about the physical aspects of marriage, you know you can apply to Fanny for advice. If anyone can help you defend yourself against Rotham’s sensual powers, it will be Fanny. No one knows more about men than she does.”
Lily made an excellent point. A dear childhood friend of the Loring sisters, Fanny Irwin had craved a more exciting life than rural Hampshire offered, and so had run off to London at the tender age of sixteen to become a renowned Cyprian. But the sisters had loyally refused to repudiate Fanny for her sins, particularly after their own reputations were irretrievably tarnished by their parents’ vivid scandals.
In fact, Tess had discreetly aided Fanny in the past—last summer, when Lily had taught several young courtesans at Fanny’s London boardinghouse to improve their manners and grace. Fanny would likely be willing to return the favor, Tess presumed, and advise her how to deal with an expert lover like Rotham.
Particularly what to do on your wedding night during the consummation.
Her heart leaping at that alarming thought, Tess nodded. “I shall write Fanny immediately and have a Wingate footman deliver my message. Hopefully she will have time to meet with me before the ceremony takes place.”