“Excellent. If things do progress, I would urge you to make certain that he uses a protective sheath. Although that’s not a foolproof method of preventing conception.”
“He did mention to me that he always uses a sheath. I wasn’t sure what he was talking about.”
“A fitted sheath made of animal gut that is tied around his member before intercourse to protect against disease and unwanted conception. Girls are kept in the dark in our society. I’ve known too many young ladies who didn’t even know why they were with child.”
“You speak so frankly of such matters. My mother was never willing to speak of what she termedindelicate topics.”
“Did she not explain to you about the act of intercourse?”
“She said that Mr. Pilkington would most likely leave his nightgown on and allow me to do so as well so that we were never naked in each other’s presence. She said I would be expected to lie still beneath him, and that the pain would be brief and it would all be over in a matter of minutes.”
Ruby rolled her eyes. “Good God. Doesn’t make it sound very appealing, now, does it?”
“I’ve had some experiences with Lord Danethat lead me to believe it might be far more pleasurable than I thought.”
“If there’s one thing a rake like Dane prides himself on it’s the giving of pleasure. I do hope everything works out for the best. I’ve known him for some time, and I believe him to have a good heart.”
“I believe that as well. But it doesn’t matter what we believe. He has to see it in himself before he can embrace a new way of being.”
“Well said, my girl. How did you become so wise at such a young age?”
“I was only allowed to observe life as a child, not to really live it. I have many theories about the workings of the heart but no practical experience until now.”
“I am sorry that your childhood was so regimented and lonely.”
“Never mind. I’ve found you and so many new friends now. Though, it pains me to think that my mother is angry with me. Her mind is closed to anything she doesn’t want to hear or see. She’s so rigid in her beliefs, and she won’t bend an inch. I’ve shamed her in front of the vicar, and I don’t know if she’ll ever forgive me. What if she cuts me out of her life like she did you?”
“I can’t imagine it would come to that. Give her time. She’ll come round when you’re married to a rich, handsome nobleman. Especially when he admits to loving you and becomes the most devoted spouse in history.”
“I told him that I wouldn’t accept a proposal that wasn’t offered from the heart.”
“Good for you. Now, I have another portrait to show you upstairs.” She led her to her private chambers and gestured to a large canvas hung on the wall. “This is your Aunt Dawn and Cousin Sophia.”
“Oh!” Sandrine stared rapturously at the painting of the mother and daughter standing on a cliff top, their laughing faces framed by sparkling blue ocean. “They’re so beautiful. I can’t wait to meet them.”
“I wrote to them about you yesterday. Soon they’ll receive my letter and know that their family has been expanded. I’m so very grateful we found each other.” Ruby hugged her close. “No one can tell you how to live your life, Sandrine. Not me, not your mother, not Lord Dane. You must listen to your inner voice, your own heart, and find your own way.”
When Dane and Warburton joined up with the Thunderbolt Club again, the lads were still celebrating, but Kenwick had gone home to sleep it off.
Somersby passed Dane the brandy bottle. “What made you decide to get shackled, Dane? Other than Miss Oliver’s curvaceous figure—er, sparkling personality?”
“It’s Sandrine’s story to tell.” She still hadn’t revealed her connection to Madam Avalon to the group.
“She’s lucky to have you,” Dudley said.
“How can you say that? I don’t have a way to erase the misdeeds of my past.”
“But you could make her future bright and shiny,” said Somersby.
“If you’re a duke and a married man, we may have to kick you out of the Thunderbolt Club,” Dudley groused. “You’ll be far too respectable for the likes of us.”
“I’m still praying that I won’t be duke. And Miss Oliver hasn’t yet said she’ll marry me.”
“She hasn’t?” Somersby marveled. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She thinks I only offered for her because I was trying to save her from that pompous vicar’s scorn.”
“You weren’t romantic enough,” Warburton said. “Young ladies like pretty proposals and flowers and sparkling diamonds. What did you give her? An ultimatum, that’s what.”