Lillian began to stir, her body feeling heavier than it ever had before. She let her eyes drift open, taking in the streaming light that was trying to push its way through the heavy curtains. She sighed and stretched, but was met with resistance when she tried to lift her hips. The sleepy grumble behind her made her smile as she peeked over her shoulder. Drake had his arm wrapped around her waist and was holding her against him in his sleep. Sighing, Lillian carefully rolled over to face him. She took in every detail as she watched her sleeping husband…Husband…

She blushed as she let that thought roll through her mind. It was official now. Drake really was her husband and had taken her innocence last night. A small smile crept onto her face once more as she realized she wouldn't have wanted it any other way. She loved him and this sudden joy was all she had dreamed it would be. She had been nervous and afraid last night, but Drake had been patient with her and had guided her to that absolute bliss. She leaned forward, pressing a small kiss to his cheek and whispered,

"I love you Drake."

She quickly pulled back when he stirred and mumbled incoherently again. She blushed brightly as one of his eyes drifted open to look at her. She worried that she had been caught since she wasn't actually ready for him to hear her true feelings yet. She was positive that it would only make him grow more distant. He grinned, looking at her fully now.

"Good morning. How are you feeling?" He asked and the huskiness in his voice from sleep made Lillian blush darker and a quiver ran through her body. Now that he had awoken the secret fire inside her, she feared of becoming insatiable. She adverted her eyes and whispered,

"Fine. Just a bit…sore is all…"

He growled low and pulled her closer, making her gasp in surprise as he tilted his head and pressed a quick kiss to her lips. She sighed and instantly relaxed, her fingers running along his arm. He groaned and rolled them over so she was on her back again. She blushed fiercely and he chuckled,

"Even after the pleasure I gave you last night, you still blush. Actually, I kind of like that. It pleases me to see your flawless, white skin flush from the attention I'm giving it."

She groaned and covered her face with her hands. He laughed and reached up, capturing both wrists in one hand and pulled them away again. He smiled down at her again and her eyes widened at the strange emotion she caught in his eyes.

'Don't get ahead of yourself Lillian! Don't get your hopes up too high just yet.' She scolded herself and realized that Drake was moving away from her. She leaned up on her elbows and watched as he swung his legs over the side and stood from the bed. She gaped, but couldn't stop her eyes from roaming over his perfect form as he bent to retrieve his dressing gown from the floor. Drake had to be the perfect specimen of male. She had met different men during her visit in London and none could ever compare to Drake. She felt the quiver return to her stomach as she wished he would rejoin her in bed. He looked over his shoulder to catch her watching him and he sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

"Don't look at me like that…" He growled low and she frowned, tilting her head in confusion, not realizing her green eyes had darkened while she observed him. He sighed and finished tying the sashes of his robe and turned to face her once more. He moved to the edge of the bed and grabbed the covers in one hand, pulling them up to cover her naked body once more. She clutched the sheets to her, having forgotten her own bare state until his actions reminded her.

"As tempting as you are this morning my dear. There are some things I want to show you. I'll have them draw you a hot bath." He said and she could only nod, wondering what he wanted to show her. He was still leaning towards her, a slight frown on his face now as he gazed at her and it made her nervous. Why was he looking so intensely at her? He seemed to realize he was staring a bit too long and blinked, the strange look gone and replaced with his usual dark gaze. He gave her a small grin and leaned forward to steal another quick kiss.

"What are you doing to me Lillian?" He whispered with his lips still brushing against hers. Lillian frowned at his words, but he pulled back and turned away from her so she couldn't read his face. Not that she could in any case, the man was impossible to understand. She watched as he disappeared into her chambers for a few minutes and then returned carrying a new dressing gown for her. She smiled in thanks and scooted to the end of the bed, letting her legs hang over the edge. The sheets shifted and only covered her middle, leaving the tops of her breasts and long legs exposed.

Drake's eyes widened and he had to avert his gaze, but she heard the distinct growl that rumbled in his chest. The sound made her smile and blush in pleasure, she was happy to see that she affected him so much. She became bold and stood, holding the sheet to cover her front, but turned her back to him so that he could wrap the robe over her. She heard him groan as she offered him the view of her backside and bit her lip to hide the grin trying to cross her face. He laid the robe over her shoulders and she released the sheet so that she could slide her arms into the sleeves. But before she could tie the front a pair of large hands wrapped around her front and grabbed the sashes.

She gasped as he moved closer, his front pressing against her back as his arms encircled her and his fingers teased her soft stomach before tying the front of the robe securely. He chuckled as he reached back and pushed her long hair to the side, over her shoulder and revealing the curve of her neck to him. He nuzzled his nose behind her ear, making her shiver and fall back against him fully. His other hand ran along the front of her body and cupped her breast as his lips ran along her neck, placing light kisses on the sensitive spots.

"Don't play a game with a master darling." He whispered before pulling away from her completely. She gasped again as she stumbled back and spun to see him silently laughing at her, the amusement clear in his dark eyes. She blushed, but this time in embarrassment and huffed as she moved past him, head held up indignantly. Drake chuckled and walked her to her chambers, stopping in the doorway that separated the two. Lillian looked to the center of her chambers and sighed in bliss as she saw the steam rising from the water in the copper tub. Drake smiled down at her and said,

"When you're finished and ready to go meet me in the dining hall for breakfast. Then we'll go riding and you'll get to see more of the estate."

She looked over her shoulder at him and nodded. He gave her one final grin before shutting the door and offering her more privacy. She looked at the closed door for a few seconds before turning back to the inviting water waiting for her. She looked over to see a maid standing to the side, waiting. When Lillian met her eyes the young girl stepped forward and curtsied.

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"I'm here to assist you with your bath Duchess." She said and Lillian jumped at the title. She would have to get used to it, but that was easier said. She shook her head and gave the girl a bright smile, catching the girl off guard.

"There are no need for titles. You may call my Lillian or Lily when we are alone. It would be easier for me as well." She added when she saw the distress in the girl's eyes. At those words the maid nodded and offered a small smile, holding out her hand.

"Very well my-Miss Lillian." She said and although she still remained formal, it was better than the added title. Lillian untied her robe and let it slide to the floor before stepping into the hot bath. She sighed as the hot water seeped into her body and relaxed the sore muscles near her nether region. She slid all the way down, resting her head on the edge of the tub and bending her knees so her entire upper body could soak in the scented water. She inhaled the sweet scent of roses and vanilla. Briefly wondering if Drake would like the scented oils. She blushed and shook her head, she was letting things get away from her. She couldn't allow her mind to continue imagining that things were different than they really were.

Drake had married her because of his code of honor and the fact that he lost control around her. She couldn't let his obvious appreciation of her body trick her into thinking that his heart was involved as well. If she wanted to keep her sanity she couldn't let such foolish fantasies invade her being and corrupt what she was seeing or hearing. Lillian sat in silence, fortifying her mental defense in preparation for her outing with Drake. While she rested in the tub the maid washed, rinsed and combed her hair. As the water started to turn cold she stepped out and dried off. When the maid opened the wardrobe though Lily paused.

"Those are not my gowns." She said in confusion and the maid giggled. She motioned Lillian to come closer to inspect the garments. Lillian looked at the new gowns and ran her fingers along the hem of one that was deep red. It felt like pure satin and was so soft to the touch, fabric she had never imagined owning.

"The master made sure these were here before you arrived last night. As a late wedding present." The woman explained and Lillian's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't mentioned the gowns to her. Although they had been rather preoccupied with other things…She looked through the gowns and a soft smile made its way across her lips. Drake must have taken the measurements from her wedding gown fitting and told the seamstress to make these as well. She chose a pretty, pale yellow morning gown and had the maid help her step into it and pin the back. She looked at her reflection and blushed at the woman staring back.

The gown made her appear curvier than she really was by hugging her small waist and flaring at her hips before falling straight to the floor. It also scooped generously at her breasts, no doubt a request from her husband. She sighed at the silly thought and pushed it away, knowing this was just the fashion this season. Lillian waved off the girl when she went to fix her hair, choosing to leave it loose in its natural waves. She dismissed the maid and left the chamber, heading towards the dining hall. When she entered she was surprised to see Drake still sitting there with a newspaper in his hands. She knew that she had indulged in the hot bath and had expected him to grow impatient with her.

"Morning again Lillian. How do you feel now?" He asked as he looked up with a soft smile, setting aside his paper and rising as she neared the seat next to him. She offered him a bright smile as he pulled out her chair for her, his fingers lightly brushing her bare shoulders.

"Better. That hot bath was exactly what I needed to ease the tiredness. I also received your generous gift, which you didn't have to go to the trouble of. Still, thank you husband." She said, adding a slight teasing tone on the last word. She saw his lips twitch as he forced back a grin and responded with,

"I assume you mean your new wardrobe. This one makes your hair look like sunshine. Also, get used to plenty of gift being showered on your beautiful head wife."

Lillian allowed her playful giggle to escape. Drake snapped his fingers to signal the servers and they brought over the silver trays with their breakfast. Drake took his seat again and waited until they sat everything down and removed the lids, watching his wife for her reactions. Her eyes widened at the amount of food before them and then she looked over to Drake. He offered her a small grin and placed food on his own plate.

"I wasn't sure what you would prefer this morning so I told the cook to make a variety of dishes. He was only too pleased to serve the new duchess." He said and noticed that she fidgeted when he mentioned her new title. He frowned and watched as she placed a few sausages, some strawberries and a small scoop of eggs on her plate. She cut into her food and ate tentatively, having turned quiet. He already knew enough to know that meant she was thinking and worrying about something.

"Lillian?" He asked to get her attention and when her green eyes met his he could clearly see the fear in her eyes. He frowned further and lowered his voice so the nearby staff couldn't hear.

"Lillian, are you feeling alright? You are not still sore from last night?" He asked and the blush spread instantly into her creamy cheeks as she averted her gaze. He waited patiently until she shook her head and he released the breath he had been holding. He had worried that she was hiding her pain from him and it had almost upset him for some reason.

"I'm fine Drake…It's just…strange. To be reminded that I'm a…" She stopped on the last word and he couldn't help the soft chuckle that rumbled through his chest. This woman worried about the strangest things and he doubted he'd ever figure out her mindset. Most women would be overjoyed to become a duchess, but not Lillian. She seemed distressed at the idea. He reached over and covered her hand with his, giving her slim fingers a comforting squeeze.

"Lillian. Being my wife makes you a duchess and a member of the nobility. It will take some getting used to, but don't think too hard about it love. You'll make a wonderful dutchess so no more worrying. Frowning so much will give you early wrinkles." He added with a grin and was pleased when she giggled and placed her other hand over his. Her bright, green eyes met his once more and the sparkling beauty made him take in a sharp breath.

"Thank you Drake...I always feel reassured when you're with me. You give me the confidence I lack. I'll try to stop worrying and flinching every time someone mentions my new title." She said, squeezing his hand and offering her most dazzling smile. The same one that turned him into a mindless fool. He cleared his throat and quickly withdrew his hand from between hers.

"Good. Hurry and finish your meal. I want to show you most of the estate before our luncheon with everyone." He said and focused his attention on his own food. He couldn't miss the soft sigh that escaped his wife's lips and chanced a peek at her. Her eyes were downcast and for a brief moment he saw a flash of disappointment, but it disappeared quickly as she ate her own food. He frowned wondering what he had seen, but decided it wasn't important and discarded the incident.

At the same time Lillian was picking at her food, eating small bites due to the sudden heaviness in her gut. Just as she thought and feared. The minute she showed too much affection, Drake had pulled back. It was the harsh reminder she needed that he had married her for his own desires of her flesh. They may deal well together, but what would happen in the years to come when he finally grew tired of her and moved on to the next conquest? She would be left, broken and alone. The one thing she had always feared as a child, wanting the same kind of love her parents had together. She glanced at her husband through her lashes and sighed softly, feeling the heaviness increase as she thought to herself,

'It's a good thing he didn't hear me this morning…'