always deliver on my promises. ‘Tis simple as that.”
He smiled at her again, that same smile that let her know just how foolish he thought she was.
Marianne inwardly cursed. Would staying the wife of William Gray doom her to be forever at battle with him?
He shook his head, his teeth showing through his grin. “I can see into your mind as you scowl like that, and while I do not think the notion of having one’s servants perform their normal duties daily to be nonsensical, you must bear in mind that they have all had years of practice at being lazy. What makes you think they will obey you?”
Marianne realized too late that she had raised her nose, but she refused to lower it out of embarrassment should he make another mention of it. “They will do as they are told unless they wish to receive a lash.”
His eyes blinked wide and mouth dropped as he swayed under the venom in her threat. She finally got the chance to enjoy a good smirking at his expense.
“However, that can only be done if you do not go against my orders when they come to you.”
William was impressed. Traditional marriage this may not be, it could still hold advantages. “And they will eventually come to me because they will not wish to do as you say. Very well, you may have your way with the servants. Adam will keep me informed of your progress, and should I catch any man or woman not obeying your orders I shall threaten them with your lash as well.”
“My lash?”
He nodded. “Aye. ‘Twould make for quicker results if you and I both threatened the same punishment for not working, yet the servants here already know I have trouble with lashing them, mostly the women. So if you are the one cruel enough to send them to their fates and they believe you capable of it, they should develop better habits soon.”
Should she be grateful for this or not? She should have known by now, he would have to rely on her seeing to the discipline of the castle since none of the servants expected their lord to raise a finger to them.
Again she had to remind herself that she was the lady of the castle. If it had to be done then she would do it. She would get everything back in order even if all the servants despised her by month’s end.
“Very well, but I do not want Adam.”
He cocked a brow and crossed his arms. “And why would that be? You said yourself that he is the only servant capable of working in my house.”
“If I am to have an escort then I want more than a shadow. I would like a woman. ‘Tis lonely here and I would like another woman to speak with.” ‘Twas a flimsy excuse, but ‘twas also true.
“You would resort to mingling with the servants just to satisfy your lack of gossip?”
She straightened her back. “I want someone to talk to.”
“I am your husband, you can talk with me.”
Marianne sighed. He didn’t understand. He pulled her against him before she could say anything to him.
“You forced me to wed you on the belief that I am was son, whom you have never been introduced until today, all just to escape Ferdinand. And you will have me believe that all you wish for is a conversation partner?”
Her heart fluttered when his hands clasped her arms, and she hated her weakness.
He leaned closer and she tensed. Assuming he would kiss her mouth, she fluttered between disappointment and glee when he settled for her jaw instead.
She clasped his shoulders with the intent to push him away, but they stayed where they were, and she allowed him to kiss her.
“How—how did you know about Ferdinand?” Good God her voice cracked.
He spoke between kisses and did not lighten his assault. “Do you take me for a fool? I could see the way that lecher stared at you, at your face.” He kissed her cheek. “At your mouth.” He kissed her mouth, touching her lips with his tongue but not plunging it inside, and Marianne groaned helplessly. “And at your breasts.” He finished by squeezing her breast in his hand. It tingled through her gown, through her breasts, and shot down between her legs.
Whatever it was she was sure it was sinful, but she gasped and leaned into his touch. God save her she liked it.
“I saw all of that,” William kissed her cheek and