Read Online The Demure Debutante - a Regency Novella by Caylen McQueen - Free Book Online Page B

Arthur was the bookish type. His eyes never wandered from the shelves.
    After making a few purchases, Emilia reunited with Arthur and Willow, then they left the store and returned to their carriage. Emilia was silent for the duration of the journey, but she knew there was a telltale blush on her cheeks. She slipped Brittley's note into her reticule and prayed she wouldn't arouse the suspicions of her companions.
    As soon as they returned to Sanborne Hall, Emilia alighted from the carriage, grabbed her haul, uttered a curt farewell, and hurried to her room. With a racing heart, she leapt on her bed and tore open Brittley's letter.

    Dearest Emilia,

    Last night, I dreamt of you. I wish I could close my eyes and return to that world, as wondrous as it was. I know I will lie awake tonight, restless, wishing it was real. Even now, as I write this letter, I find myself daydreaming about my dream.
    Now that I have piqued your curiosity, allow me to describe it for you. You were naked in my bed. Every inch of your skin was exposed, ready for my wandering hands to explore. I stroked your silky calves, devoured your lips, suckled your milky skin. I was drunk with passion, intoxicated by the taste of you.
    I would go into greater detail, but I am afraid I would only frighten you. I have already said enough, more than I should divulge to a lady. However, I simply could not resist the urge to tell you exactly how I feel. I long for you. You are my passion, my desire, my daily madness. The only thing that could possibly end my pain is to have you.
    Have you not wondered what it would be like to lie in my arms, to kiss my lips? Unexplored pleasures await you, my dearest Emilia, and I want to be the man who introduces you to them. Is it not a temptation to have an attentive lover? I could release you from your ordinary life and introduce you to a world of wonder and passion. You need only ask, and I would be yours.

    Longing for you,

    Brittley Christian

    When she finished the letter, Emilia was shaking her head with disbelief. It was the most scandalous thing she had ever read, but it was titillating nonetheless. She was as terrified by it as she was excited.
    “Perhaps I should show it to Arthur?” she whispered to herself. “He would protect me from any... unwelcome advances.”
    Emilia read the letter a second time, as well as a third time, and then she came to a surprising conclusion.
    Brittley's advances would not be entirely unwelcome.

Chapter Ten

    It was the happiest day of Willow's life; everything was perfect. It was a modest ceremony, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. Only a dozen friends had gathered at the small country church, the simple stone edifice where the wedding took place. As the vicar joined them in holy matrimony, Willow couldn't stop staring into Edward's eyes. In them, she could see her future, her absolution, her eternity. His love was enough to wash away the sins of her past. After this day, she would truly feel reborn.
    Willow wore a white gown of muslin and lace, and a thin gossamer shawl enveloped her shoulders. Edward was dressed to the nines, and he was more handsome than she had ever seen him. As he recited his vows, he didn't stutter a single time, a fact that had Willow beaming with pride.
    When the vicar announced them as husband and wife, Edward kissed his bride, swept her into his arms, and carried her to the carriage outside. Their well-wishers, though sparse in number, howled cheers of exaltation for the new couple. After Edward placed her in the carriage, Arthur went to his sister's side.
    “You look beautiful, Willow,” Arthur praised her.
    “That sounds awfully genuine, coming from you.”
    “Well, it's true. Edward is a lucky man... and you're a lucky woman.”
    “We're a lucky couple,” she agreed. “I'm happy to have found a man such as him.” Willow pulled a flower from her bouquet and slipped it into the pocket of his greatcoat. “You'll visit us in London, won't