A MARRIAGE OF INCONVENIENCE (conclusion)

CHAPTER 5

Gerald was surprisingly quiet on the ride home. Lavinia glanced over at him and to her surprise, he was smiling and chuckling to himself.

“So what’s so funny?” she asked somewhat annoyed.

“I was thinking of you getting our marriage annulled for non consummation of our nuptials.”

And why was that funny?” Lavinia asked.

“Well, the ton would assume that I am… erm… unable to carry out my husbandly duty.”

“And you found that amusing?”

“No, I was thinking of the countermeasures I’d have to take to disabuse themselves of that notion.”

“Countermeasures? What countermeasures?”

Gerald sighed. “You’d leave me no option but to put out the story that for the past 6 months, two weeks, five days and…” (he looked at his watch) “ten hours, you have steadfastly refused to do your wifely duty and have rejected my amorous advances. I mean to say, what’s a chap to do?”

Lavinia didn’t say a word. She sat quietly imagining the consequences of such a story about her being circulated in the ton. No man would want her. She’d be a social pariah; women would snigger at her behind their fans… “Poor Gerald,” she could hear them murmuring. “Married a frigid woman – colder than ice.” Gerald would get the sympathy vote, whereas she… He’d have no problem replacing her, whereas she … Inadvertently she shivered.

Later in her bedroom, she sat in front of her dressing table mirror, brushing her long golden hair. What to do? She’d gambled on gaining the upper hand, bringing Gerald to his senses, she’d played her last card… and he’d trumped it. Not only did she stand to lose the man she loved, but also her status and position in society. Worse would be a lonely spinsterhood stretching out in front of her.

Sighing, she climbed into bed and was about to blow out her candle, when her bedroom door opened and Gerald walked in. He was wearing a night shirt, and Lavinia had the insane desire to giggle at his hairy legs protruding from under this ridiculous nightwear.

He came over to her bed, laid down his candle next to hers on her side table and sat on the end of her bed.

“Lavinia, I made a solemn promise to you when I asked you to marry me, that I’d never inopportune you by making marital demands on you.”

“Yes, Gerald, you did.”

“I am a gentleman and keep my promises. However, now I know my … feelings for you are reciprocated, will you now release me from that vow?”

Lavinia sat up in bed. “You have feelings for me?” she asked in astonishment. “Why on earth didn’t you ever tell me?”

“To quote someone I love heart and soul – because you never asked me.”

“I honestly thought that as far as you were concerned, this was strictly a marriage of convenience, so as to comply with your father’s Will.”

“Really?” Gerald smiled. “Then explain why I wanted to tear the eyes out of every single man who danced with you tonight?”

“You did?”

“Oh yes, I most certainly did – especially that chap… Phillip Montrose, Earl Northgate.

Lavinia smiled. “Yes, he did clasp me somewhat tightly to his manly chest during our waltz.”

“Tightly? He plastered you against his body – I could’ve killed the man!”

He paused. “So Lavinia, do you release me from my vow?”

“Of course I do,” Lavinia crowed. “What took you so long?” Pulling the covers to one side she said “Hop in.”

Whipping off his nightshirt, Gerald hopped into her bed, snuggling up to her under the covers.

“Gerald…” Lavinia said in a small voice. “You will be… gentle won’t you? It is after all… my first time.”

Gerald felt a wave of tenderness sweep over him. He put his arms around her and held her close. “Of course I’ll be gentle darling. Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”

Lavinia smiled. “Yes, I do believe I am.”

THE END