Mastering The Marquess (Bound and Determined #1)(76)
“I do appreciate the introduction, but I do believe it would be best if I spoke to Lady Swanston alone.”
“If you really think it best.” It was very clear that Bliss was not speaking her true feelings, but she would not go against Lady Ormande.
“I do.” The Countess walked over to Bliss and, leaning forward, kissed her on the cheeks, a soft parental blessing. Only the Countess seemed anything but motherly. No mother would have slid her hand down Bliss’s bosom in quite such a manner. “Just go. I will explain everything later.”
With a long sigh, Bliss flounced from the room, her wings dancing as she moved.
As soon as she was gone, the Countess closed the door with a firm click.
“And what was it that Bliss wanted to tell me and you did not?” Louisa asked, trying to hold her ground.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell you—I definitely think you need to know. I am just protective of young Bliss and don’t wish to upset her. She knows some but not all of what I must tell you.” The Countess walked over to the settee and sat down, patting the space beside her.
Louisa wanted to demur, to choose a seat far away, but she did wish to learn whatever secret the Countess wished to impart. Taking small steps, she walked over and sat beside Lady Ormande. Her throat clutched as Lady Ormande slid closer until their thighs touched.
“What Bliss was so eager to tell you, what she found so fun, is that I was Swanston’s mistress for quite some time.”
Louisa’s mouth dried in an instant. “You were what? Bliss found that fun—introducing us?”
The Countess patted Louisa’s thigh gently, then left her hand there. “I believe that Bliss took joy in her perfect brother’s not being such a paragon. He is always protecting her from disgrace, and I believe she thought it wonderful that he might have a little scandal attached to his own name.”
“Oh.”
“I think I have expressed it badly.” Lady Ormande ran her hand up and down Louisa’s thigh. “She did not mean it badly. I believe she is merely happy that her brother is a real person. And I think she thought I could help you. She knows that Swanston can be intimidating and thought you might need a friend who understood.”
What on earth were these women thinking? It might have helped her if she’d known Geoffrey had a mistress before her talk with the duke, but how was this supposed to help now? And as she remembered that conversation she could only wonder which talk was more awkward, more odd. She seemed destined for these intimate chats that nobody would ever believe had taken place. “And you thought she was right? Thought that it was appropriate that we talk?” She was beginning to feel angry.
“No, I did not feel it appropriate and I certainly did not find it fun. This is as difficult for me as it is for you.” The Countess ran her hand a little farther up Louisa’s thigh, the fingers firm through the thin skirts of Louisa’s costume.
Somehow Louisa did not believe that Lady Ormande found this as difficult as she did. In fact, although she could not have said why, she was convinced that the Countess was enjoying the situation. “Then why …?” She let her voice trail off.
“Because I do care for Geoffrey, for Swanston, and I want to be sure that you understand what he needs and are capable of giving it to him. Your husband is a very unique man.”
“I do agree with the latter statement, but am unsure what you mean by the first. Why should I not be able to provide my husband with everything he needs?” Louisa worked to hide the displeasure she had felt in hearing the Countess call her husband “Geoffrey.” Deep in her heart she knew it was important to show no sign of weakness.
“Do you truly not understand my question? If you do not then you are not the wife Geoffrey needs.” Lady Ormande began to stroke her thumb up and down Louisa’s thigh, the gesture completely inappropriate for any but a husband or a lover—and certainly not what one would expect from another lady.
The worst of it, however, was that Louisa could feel herself respond as the strong thumb swept over thin muslin, chafing it against sensitive skin. She tried to slide away, but the Countess held her firm.
“Now don’t be like that, my sweet Louisa. I do hope you don’t mind me calling you ‘Louisa.’ I do so want us to be the best of friends.” The Countess’s thumb stroked up again, higher. “And don’t tell me that you haven’t noticed that Geoffrey can be a bit—or perhaps more than a bit—domineering at times. And yes, I am talking about in bed. Tell me, has he tied you up yet? And how many ways has he found to f*ck you? The man is nothing if not innovative, and I can only imagine the fun he’d have with a sweet little submissive like you.”
Louisa stiffened her spine. “I hardly think that—”
“Oh, I know that no one likes to admit that they like to let someone else take control, but it is very clear, my dear. Do you think I don’t feel you shiver as I stroke you?” The Countess moved her hand until her fingers brushed the juncture of Louisa thighs. “I feel your muscles tighten beneath me. You don’t want to like it, but you do. You like my taking control. I imagine that Geoffrey can make you orgasm just by telling you to.”
Louisa had wondered a moment ago which conversation was stranger, this or the one with the duke. She wondered no more. This was odder than anything she had ever imagined, and considerably more enraging. Holding herself completely still, she turned her head and stared straight into the Countess’s dark eyes. “I do not wish to discuss such matters with you. These things are private—between a husband and a wife.”