Five Minutes Alone With You

ch 3 : in lady danbury's dining room

It was so strange, to think that she was engaged. The necklace that Simon had placed upon her neck not even an hour earlier was still sitting there while Rose helped her dress in her finest gown, something fitting to go and greet Lady Danbury. Simon was waiting for her downstairs, chatting with her brothers still, likely about her Dowry, which Simon was refusing to accept, and the welcoming of him into their family.

Engaged. Engaged to Simon. Engaged to be a Duchess. It still felt like some sort of fairy tale. No longer was she living a ruse, no longer was she harboring a secret, nor was she out selecting a future husband. No, everything was now out of her hands - her future was set. Was made.

She should feel some sense of peace, some sense of settlement, acceptance, but instead -

All Daphne could think about was his kiss.

Well, his kiss, and so much more.

All she could think about was the way his hands had moved over her skin, exposing it to his touch. How he had pulled aside her housecoat, how it had fallen from one arm so that his fingers could touch the back of her nightdress. She thought about how his fingers had gathered the fabric of the skirt, lifting and raising it. She thought about how firm his body felt beneath her hands... and beneath her legs. She thought about how she had rocked against him like a common girl, seeking pleasure. She thought about kissing him again-

And waiting. How was she supposed to wait to do that again?

Of course, now that they were engaged to be married, they would have a bit more leniency. Now, they could enjoy private conversations with their chaperones only just within vision. Most things would be overlooked. That stated, she would still have to say good night to him each day; would not be able to spend every moment with him. She would not be able to sneak away to ask him about touching herself again, nor would she be able to feel his strong hands touching her body.

She wanted to know what his hands could do, what they could do between her legs. She wanted to know what it would be like to have someone else touch her, explore her. She wanted to know what it would be like to have his eyes staring into her very soul while he slid her hands lower on her body. She wanted to know what he looked like underneath his clothes. She wanted to know what it was like when he touched himself. She wanted to touch him, to explore him as he explored her. She wanted-

"And to marry for love! Oh, Daphne, it truly is everything you ever wanted."

Daphne's cheeks were once again inflamed as she checked back in with what her mother was saying. She was happy, of course, and in love, but her mother was talking about how romantic it was, and how she would have children and be happy, and how everything was perfect, and the Duke was the perfect man for her.

A part of Daphne was happy. Of course she was. Her feelings for Simon had no true description - yes, she loved him, was in love with him, but this was so much more. It felt all consuming, all powerful, overwhelming at times even. She craved his presence, even now whilst he sat downstairs. She yearned for him, for his touch. It left her breathless, this desire to be with him.

A month. She must wait a month for the wedding banns to be read. Who had come up with such an idea? If a couple agreed to be wed, then they should be wed immediately! What if he changed his mind, what if something happened, what if-

A month! How could she wait a month?

"Are you alright, my dear? You are once again so flush. Oh, you surely did not get enough sleep last night. It can wait a day, to go and see Lady Danbury. You should be abed, not getting dressed to go out."