The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

15) What would they say if they knew of your ruining? (Part 2)

(I don't want to spoil the chapter, however I will say trigger warning)

Duchess' POV 

My night ended merely an hour after Lord Westington had left me in discomfort. How could a man be so vile and corrupt in his ways, to offer an engaged lady, a Duchess at that a drink. The disrespect to my dear Colin and the threat it puts me under is unbearable. My Father was a fool for being in such disgrace of a position to promise me away. Tears threatened to spill over my eyes, but I refused to let that happen. My thoughts were interrupted by Colin taking my hand and leading me towards the exit signalling to my workmen that I was ready to leave.

"I shall accompany you. I realize this is not most proper however I assure you as your future husband I will keep you safe on your travels. So please don't refuse." Startled by his dominance, I simply allowed his help into the carriage and proceeded to go on with his instructions.

"Are you frightened?" Colin asked looking to my eyes as though he was entering deep into my soul.

"Frightened is a strong word, I am worried. Fearing that I am to marry a man that I do not love, angered that I have been put in such a position but above all tired of feeling unsure of everything and everyone. Colin I just want to marry you, I do not wish to wait anymore. My love is only for you. All I beat for is you. I burn for you." Feeling exposed I failed to maintain eye contact, my sporadic outburst left me wondering what life was all about, if it is not for uncertainty and neglect.

Colin moved to my side of the carriage. All happening so quick, his eyes shifted between my top lip and the lower. As though contemplating his next move. Resting his hand on my slightly crimson cheek he leant forward. Our lips meeting and moving in perfect sync. Colin Bridgerton had staked his claim. I was now forever his.

Colin slowly pulled away, an emotion unreadable to me was struck across his face, not regret but something else.

"I shouldn't have done that. You deserved a more formal moment, something more special and memorable." Colin looked away, his much more usual shy self-seeking through.

"Colin, you did nothing wrong. That kiss, something like no other. I had never known a feeling like it." I blushed harder than before looking towards my silk gloves.

Once again Colin placed his hand upon my rosy cheeks, resting it there whilst his thumb slowly traced my soft complexion.

"Just wait until we are married. I shall never let you out my sight or away from my lips." His cheeky smirk left a great impression on me.

Before we could continue our rather improper conversation we arrived at my house. Colin led me towards my door and reassured me he would walk home. Not wanting to be seen there was no romantic exchange before he left. He just simply walked away with a grin on his face. Leaving me alone once more, to my dark and dreary household.

Although I was not alone. I had around 20 workers upon my estate. Yet none of which I was comfortable with. None like Lily. My thoughts became to much and my eyes began calling for some shut eye.

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That night my sleep had been disturbed on many occasions. Fearing I could hear voices, noises and disturbances through out the walls of my house. But nothing had prepared me for my last awakening.

Subconsciously I could feel the sheets of my bed begin to move, I no longer had my silk throw draped over me, but instead just my thin, white, innocent cotton night gown over my petite frame. It was only when I felt two rough skinned hands grip my ancles did I awake fully in shock and scream. My torso flung forward to face my intruder, Lord Westington.

My actions at first seemed to startle him but as I attempted to scream again for help, he covered my mouth with his filthy bare hand. My consciousness clearly only pleasing him more.

"You poor helpless child, what would they think if they knew of a man, in your chambers..." His voice dragged on as he clambered up the bed and forced me down onto my back.

Both my hands desperately trying to find some release from his grip on my mouth, I was nothing to compare with his strength. Fearing suffocation from my struggling I moved my hands away.

With such simple movement he managed to move my arms behind my back and knelt on my lower stomach to stop me from fidgeting and fighting back.

"Did no one teach you any manners girl? One should never say no to a lord. As a Duchess you should know that. But then again a Duchess should know better than to end up in such a position as yourself." His grin increasing as his free hand started to trail from my knee up to my thigh.

"My. Now what would your beloved Bridgerton say if he knew you were loose and used like the filthy whore you are?"

I began vigorously crying. Trapped, I fell into darkness. My virtue is to be stolen and my Colin will no longer be mine. I will be betrothed to this pathetic excuse for a man. Eagerly trying to break free I thrashed around in my bed before I felt a sticky warm substance on my face.

Lord Westington had spat on me.

"Oh, your Grace, the more you seem to struggle the more you excite me." The laugh was unthinkable, but his actions spoke louder than words when he began to unbuckle his belt.

"Do you want to see what excitement you have brought me whore?"

Noticing his hold on my face ease ever so slightly as he began to free himself of his belt, I used this to my advantage knowing this would be my last chance at a cry for help.

I screamed.

I screamed much louder than before; terror so evident in my voice that I feel the entire of the ton must have heard. I felt a belch in my throat as my voice continued to echo through the halls of my house. Begging for someone to hear me. To know I was in danger.

The look on Lord Westington's face when my bedroom doors opened to reveal Lady Danbury and four servicemen who immediately took action.

Lord Westington was dragged out but not before yelling,

"What would they say if they knew of your ruining?"

I sobbed into Lady Danbury's embrace.

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What is Colin going to do when he learns the news that his beloved fiance has been assaulted, used and abused in such a manner? 

Someone commented on the previous chapter that they are getting Reign vibes, I must admit I have definitely been inspired by that series. 

Thank you for all the reads, I am so grateful for each and everyone of you! 

K x