Duke of Disrepute (Dukes of Distinction #3) - Alexa Aston Page 0,39
bride has a few Seasons in her past.”
“You want that Town polish.”
“I do.” His eyes gleamed. “Debutantes don’t have that.”
“I beg to differ. A few do from the start. I’ll daresay there are half a dozen who have been raised by their mamas to become a duchess should such an opportunity arise.”
“Still, I am almost thirty. Ancient to those newcomers. I require a lady of sophistication and maturity. She’ll need to not only be my friend and companion—but an eager, willing partner in the bedroom.”
Elise felt herself go hot all over. “Surely, you don’t think I can assess such a thing, Your Grace.” Her face felt on fire.
“No,” he said, a wicked grin touching his lips. “You can leave that to me.”
Curiosity filled her. “You can tell by looking at a woman if they would be . . . that is . . . that they . . .” Her voice trailed off in embarrassment.
“No, not by merely looking. But there is always something in a woman’s eyes that signals her desire.” His gaze lingered on her and her body heated.
“I didn’t think so,” she stammered. “That a man could merely look at a woman and determine her experience in the bedroom.”
“My bride doesn’t have to be experienced, Lady Ruthersby. I have experience enough for us both. I’ll admit I am a carnal man and have indulged in pleasures of the flesh for the past decade. I will want to wed a woman who doesn’t mind exploring her desires for me with me. Since I wish for someone with a bit of maturity, perhaps we should limit my scope to widows. They would have some knowledge.”
Though she was a widow, Elise had no idea what Disrepute was talking about. Even having given birth to two children and knowing what the marital act consisted of, she felt as green as any girl making her come-out.
“I am glad that you will handle that portion of the selection of your bride,” she said primly, wishing her face and flesh would cool. “There are a handful of young women—women in their twenties—who married older men and have now been widowed. I will definitely help you consider them but I don’t think you should rule out any females who are making their come-out, Your Grace. There may be that rare flower who would surprise you.”
Disrepute smiled. “Oh, I do like a surprise.”
Elise went hot all over again.
“Remember, though, the qualities I’ve discussed. Compassion. Grace. Intelligence. Love for children and a willingness to have a great many of them. If we can find those characteristics, I can teach my bride what I want and need in a lover.”
Their entire conversation was completely inappropriate and yet she was fascinated by it. By him. She would have to watch herself around him. Already, the duke appealed to her a great deal. She couldn’t go falling in love with him. Not when she was supposed to find him his bride.
“You mentioned a love for children, Your Grace. What about love for you?”
He shrugged. “I don’t believe in love, my lady. Neither does most of Polite Society. Oh, I’ll grant that every now and then, someone makes a spectacular love match. My sister and Colebourne, for instance. And my friend Windham and his wife. I don’t need or require love, Lady Ruthersby. I fear I’m already demanding enough in what I’m looking for in a duchess. Love will play no part in my marriage. I’m happy to settle for friendship.”
“I see.”
He studied her. “Did you love your husband?”
“No,” she answered honestly. “I liked him a great deal. He was very sweet. He understood me and my bluestocking ways. He was an excellent father to Claire. I didn’t require love, as you’ve said. It was enough that we were compatible.”
She rose. “You’ve given me quite a bit to consider. I hope that we will find a woman who meets most of your requirements.”
“All of them, my lady.”
“But surely, Your Grace, you must understand that you can’t have the perfect woman. I doubt anyone in society would fit all of your lengthy requirements. Most women are not pressed to explore their intellectual side.”
“You seem very intelligent.”
She chuckled. “That’s because I read a great deal, much to my mother’s confusion and disapproval. I can promise you that I will do my utmost to help find you a suitable bride. In the meantime, I need to check on Claire.”
“I hope you will also let Lady Claire be a part of this.”