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" I would think you are taught better on how absolutely terrible gossip is. It is disheartening that you would stoop so low as to malign the name of a reputed gentleman, simply because of an injury. An injury he had sustained while defending our beloved country" she said her hands braced on her hips.

It had been a move so attractive, he noticed the slender curves of her frame and the elegance of how she carried herself. It wasn't the school taught practiced elegance of a debutante but that of a woman who knew herself.

" The freedom you so enjoy was hard worn by men like him You should show him respect if you possess working consciences at all" she admonished.

By the time she paused to take a breath. The three girls were looking down in remorse

" We're sorry" They had apologized looking remorseful but she had continued undeterred on her path.

" You have no need to apologize to me, I should think that sentiment should be reserved for the duke"

If he had not stopped her, he wondered how far she would have stormed off in her anger.

But for tonight, he would drown his fears in alcohol and fall into a dreamless slumber.

* * *

Victoria sat in bed, now dressed in her night garments as she wondered what she could have said that pushed the duke out of her bed.

Things seemed to be going well between them but perhaps in her desperation to please, she had acted too improperly revealing her desire to him.

But what was she to do?

Her cousin, the Viscountess of Windham, had told her to be as honest about her desires to her husband.

"Men love a woman who is passionate in bed. If you lay there like a log, he will tire of you quickly and will look for settlement elsewhere." She had said.

"But how will I know what to do?"

"Its instinctive." She had answered smiling a rather naughty smile. "But since the duke obviously has more experience than you, it will be best you ask him to teach you what he likes and prefers as compared to you making the decision for him."

She had nodded and asked questions about what to expect and her cousin had been gratefully forthcoming, if a bit too explicit.

"It might seem painful at first but you will enjoy it gradually. You are luckier than most women." She had smiled with a naughty wink. "I hear the duke was an ardent lover in his youth. Perhaps he had not lost that vigor even though it might seem scary with his scar. I wonder if its just his face."

She too had wondered and hoped she would see the extent of the scar but had been sorely disappointed when he had rushed out of her chambers.

She sighed and rolled to face the furnace they had lit for her.

Charlotte had been even worse. As someone who had never hidden the fact she enjoyed the marital bed. Her words had caused serious concerns for her.

"He'll look just like a..."

"Honey there's no need to ruin the surprise for her." Her husband the Viscount had said.

He had been present for the conversation and had been as scarred as she had.

"What do I tell her then?"

"That it is not as scary as it seems."

"Yes darling Victoria." She had smiled. "It is quite marvelous."

Her husband smiled satisfactorily and she had wanted to be anywhere but there.

"The duke is an experienced man so he might take charge." The Viscount had added. "just don't be a blushing bride and it should be fine. He seems like a good man so he'll understand if you would rather wait."

How was she to give him heirs when he removed himself from her bed?