The Wicked Confessions of Lady Cecelia Stanton Read Online Free

fool.’
    Yet I continued to worry. If word of this moment ever were found, it would shame my family and prove to society my marriage was farcical. Perhaps I have a worrisome nature, but an insane fear struck me. If I allowed Bess to instruct me in pleasurable arts, I would be giving her license to blackmail.
    ‘To offer me education in these matters would require something in return. What is it that you wish of me?’ I asked.
    I am a woman who prides herself on an almost masculine practical-mindedness. So I was under no illusions that Bess must wish something in return for her favours.
    ‘Nothing,’ she replied simply. ‘You mistake me for a man, for I wish nothing in return.’
    ‘Nothing?’ I repeated like a simpleton. ‘Not money? Jewels? Reciprocal affection?’
    It was Bess who hesitated then. ‘Perhaps in time, if you wished to offer reciprocal affection I would receive it gladly. If you do not, then all I wish is to retain my station as your maid. I could not hope for a better position.’
    ‘Bess,’ I chided, ‘you do not have to this to keep your employ secure. Not now, nor ever.’
    As I spoke the words, I realised their truth.
    She smiled. ‘And it is this kindness that makes me wish to be your instructor in these matters. There are no ladies quite so deserving of this pleasure than you.’
    I understood her words, but my doubts did not sway. I was torn and unsure whether to believe her.
    ‘If you speak truth, then I thank you,’ I began, ‘but if ever…’ My words were left incomplete. Instead, I reached and caressed the line of her lips. Her eyes closed at the simple touch. My chest tightened, and I leaned forward replacing my hand with my lips. I kissed her lightly and closed my eyes, relishing the soft, sweetness of her lips against mine. I never realised until that moment how very long I’d wished to kiss her.
    I felt her lips curl with a smile and I pulled away, feeling heat stain my cheeks. I opened my eyes and saw her shake her head gently. I took comfort in the fact that Bess had never shown me any enmity; in fact, she had always been my most stalwart friend. Guilt plagued me. Was I a terrible person to have suspected her of foul play?
    ‘I will leave you now, my lady,’ she whispered, and her hand gently patted my thigh. ‘Goodnight. And if your husband returns to you this evening, relax and allow him access. Nothing good ever comes of a wife denying her husband his rights.’ Her face turned hard, and I realised with some conviction that she did not look well upon my rakish husband.
    I nodded, thankful that after Bess’s ministrations the terror of having my husband once more, no longer seemed so great and overwhelming.
    ‘Thank you, goodnight,’ I murmured, as Bess gathered her skirts and backed from the room.
    I lay awake for many hours after. My husband’s parting words had lead me to expect him to visit once more, but as the candles burned to piteous stubs, my room fell to darkness and sleep swiftly overcame me.
    I awoke to the chambermaid having opened the curtains and a meal waiting on a silver tray. I was perplexed.
    ‘Does my husband not wish to break his fast downstairs with me?’ I asked, for in my family home, the morning fast was always broken as a family in the dining room.
    The maid, a fresh, ruddy-cheeked woman, looked at me surprised perhaps that I had spoken.
    ‘Forgive me, milady, I’m not privy to his lordship’s mornin’ habits. I’m only the chambermaid.’
    I could feel my brow wrinkle and watched her for another moment. The skirts of her uniform rustled as she moved, and I noticed her ears were inordinately pink.
    ‘What is your name?’ I asked as I sat up in the bed, and the maid placed the tray upon my knees.
    ‘Daisy, if it pleases you,’ she replied, her blue eyes noticeably avoiding my own.
    Strange girl. I disliked her immediately. Then felt bad for my negative musings.
    ‘You may leave,’ I said and she hurried to obey.
    When the door