Read MAIL ORDER BRIDE: ARISTOCRAT: The Duke’s Engagement (Historical Victorian Duke Romance) (New Adult Romance Short Stories) for Free Online

carefully opened the box.
    “How were your lessons?”
    “They were… fine.”
    “So they sucked?”
    Abby laughed softly. “Yes, they did.”
    But Abby knew she had to take them, so there was no point in worrying about it. When it came down to it, if this was all it cost her for this life then it would be worth t. For current style dresses, for fresh meat every meal, for juice, and fresh tea.  Not having to use a tea bag for a week.  And for my family. 
    She was not sure if they’d be able to come visit, but she’d be able to help them out.  She’d be able to send money, to send things.  They could live without fear, they could get medicine if they needed it.  She could even try to get her siblings a job here- if she was willing to risk them finding out about her husband.  She looked up at Owen as he pulled the lid off the box.  And him.
    God, please help guide me.
    Had God been guiding her earlier?  It had felt heavenly to be with him, it had showed her that above all, Abby did want to be with him.  But would he want to be with her?  Truly?
    Or was this just some game to him.
    Abby reached into the box, trying to shake her thoughts, and pulled out a lavish blue dress.  Her jaw dropped as she stared at it. If Ruth were able to see me in this, she’d have a cow.   Perhaps, Abby would be able to visit them sometime.  She could bring a dress for mother, and a dress for Ruth.  Abby smiled at the thought.
    “Do you like it that much?” Owen asked.
    “What?” Abby blinked, then she realized what he was talking about.  A tear rolled down her cheek. She took a deep breath.  “Oh, no it’s not that… it’s… I was just thinking about my sisters… and my mom… my family… that’s all.”
    “It’s hard to lose them.” He said, reaching out and taking her hand in his, their fingers tangled together and he squeezed gently.  She gave him a soft smile, remembering that he did indeed know how she felt.
    “Do did you get through it?”
    “With good friends.” He paused, their eyes locking. His lips lowered to hers for a fraction of a second.  The kiss wasn’t like it had been in the field, this kiss was softer, more caring. “You have lots of friends here, Abby.”
    Abby’s cheeks flushed. “I take comfort in that.” She admitted.
    Owen pushed himself up. “You look tired.  I’m sure today has been quite the day for you.  I’ll leave you to get some rest.”
    “I… I thought you wanted to see me tonight.”
    A smile touched his lips. “I’m glad you seem to want to see me, but it will be best for you if you get some rest.  Here,” He stood “let me help you undress.”
    Abby’s cheeks flushed.
    “Absolutely not!”
    “I’m sorry, but it seems I’m the only one. Tom sent the staff home tonight, as a treat for everyone’s hard work this month.”
    Abby sat there, her mouth hanging open like a fish.  She stared up at him, her brow furrowing as she stood up and turned around.  “Fine.” 
    His hands worked quickly over her garments, helping her remove them.  Although she did not have as many on today as she did yesterday it was easier to have someone’s help.
    As he unlaced the corset Owen cleared his throat.  “Well, I’ll be off.  I suspect I’ll see you in the morrow.”
    “Yes. See you then.” Abby said, not daring to turn and look at him in the state she was in.  She suspected she wouldn’t be the first woman he’d seen in that state but she didn’t want to show that much of herself to him. 
    Abby heard the door close before she turned, finding her nightgown and slipping into it.
     

Chapter 5
     
    “Morning, ma’am,” Victoria said as she stepped into the room. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”
    “No, not at all.” Abby was used to early mornings. She jumped out of bed and slipped out of her nightgown.
    “Did you sleep well?”
    “Yes, did you?”
    “I did, ma’am. The master of the house was very kind to send us all home early last