Becoming a Lady by Adaline Raine

first time, and she almost lost her train of thought.  “I told you my story in detail, and I am afraid that there is a certain duty I will not be able to fulfill.”  Anna’s voice caught on the last word and she looked down.  She knew that most women of her age usually had three or more babes by this time.  She was also terribly concerned that she would not be comfortable in his bed.  Her ordeal had been so violent and painful that she truly wondered if she would ever be able to enjoy intimacy with a man.  Anna wiped pitifully at her cheeks.  The tears had decided to brim over her now red eyes.  “I am so weak, My Lord, please do not look upon me.” 
    To her astonishment , Lord William knelt down beside her chair and took her face in his hands.


    “ Do you have any indication that I would cause harm or distress to you?”  His eyes were locked on hers again.


    Anna blinked back the tears.  “No, My Lord, you have not, but I am sure that there are dozens of younger, much more beautiful girls, that would be honored to be your wife.”  Anna finished and closed her eyes.


    Lord William ran his hands down her cheeks.  “I have given my proposal to you.  If I wanted any of those girls I would have one by now.”  He kissed each cheek softly and let go.  “I shall give you until this time tomorrow, then, for your answer.”  He stood slowly, and Anna followed him with her eyes.  “I expect that you will take my offer into consideration tonight.”


    “ I will adhere to your timeline, My Lord.”  Anna gave a nod as he patted the top of her head.
    “ I have business to attend to, but I will see you tomorrow night.”  With those words he left the room and Anna was alone.  Could he mean that every time she spoke in a way that was not pleasing to him that he would spank her?  Anna shook her head and finished her meal.  No, she knew that her boldness was what pushed him to place her over his lap.  She stood and got ready for bed. 
    ****

    Anna was pacing on the balcony.  She had a very restless sleep, and stayed in bed for most of the day.  Anna had rehearsed her answer in detail and still could not clearly fathom what she was about to say to Lord William.  If he had truly taken care of the men - all the men – who had hurt her, with the idea to make her his wife, then she could not possibly refuse his proposal.  It was true that she still had much to learn, but he had stated several times over their journey together that he had plans.  He was not able to reveal those plans, of course, especially given what had occurred, but he had proven trustworthy.  Anna jumped as he was standing in the open doorway watching her. 
    “ Oh!  My Lord!” she exclaimed, and stopped mid-pace.


    “ I did not mean to startle you.”  He gave a nod towards her and bowed.  “I have been waiting to see you.”
    His eyes were locked on hers and she quickly forgot all her hesitations.  “I was deep in thought.”  Anna began to walk towards him as she smoothed her hands over her dress.  


    “ Have you had a chance to think on my proposal?”  Lord William took her hand in his and moved out of the doorway.
    
Anna looked up at him.  He was quite an extraordinary man in stature as well as in demeanor.  “I am not confident that I can fulfill every task that you ask of me, but I give you my word that I will do my very best to complete each one.”  She bit her lip.  “I would wish of nothing more than to become your wife.”


    Lord William kissed the top of her hand.  “I promise not to disappoint you.”


    Anna let out a deep breath that she felt she had been holding her entire life.  “I beg your patience, My Lord.”


    “ That is one thing that you shall have, but be mindful of what I expect from you.  If you talk back to me in public or in private, or in a tone that is anything but amicable, I will discipline you immediately, and I will not