Gabrielle’s Discipline
Book 2 in the Bridal Discipline Series
By Golden Angel
Copyright 2015 G. Angel
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
I have a lot of people to thank for helping me with this book. My Maries, my power houses: Marie #1 for all her help with editing, catching small errors, and the continuity issues that I occasionally struggle with (I swear, she remembers all the things that I can’t). Marie #2 for her incredibly close attention to detail, especially when it comes to commas, mixed-up words and my excessive use of the word “that”. Katherine, for her ever-lasting support, encouragement and suggestions. Michelle for her comments and suppositions, which always end up changing the way the plot and character development flows. Sir Nick, for providing the much-needed male perspective. And RaineyCloud9, for the gorgeous cover art and promotional posters that I’ve been sharing.
As always, a big thank you to all my fans, for buying and reading my work… if you love it, please leave a review!
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Epilogue
About the Author
Chapter 1
It was not the smallest wedding ever conducted in London but it was certainly among them.
Dressed in a new gown of white and silver, a borrowed veil upon her head, silk stockings with blue garters, and an old family heirloom diamond necklace around her throat (a gift from the Marquess of Dunbury, her guardian), Gabrielle looked every inch the bride at her hasty wedding. Of course, the reason the gown was new was because this was her first Season in London and she just hadn't had the chance to wear it yet. The blue garters on her stockings were worn at the insistence of Cordelia, Gabrielle's stepmother and the Marchesse of Dunbury. The Marquess was Cordelia's second husband; her first had been Baron Hastings, Gabrielle's father. She and her stepmother were only a few years apart in age, and Gabrielle still couldn't decide whether she detested or adored Cordelia. Sometimes it was both. When Cordelia had first arrived in Gabrielle’s life, she’d been hopeful at Cordelia’s friendliness, but at the same time wary after the ill treatment of her first stepmother. It didn’t help that she knew her father desperately wanted a son. Gabrielle’s mother and first stepmother had both died in the attempt to give him one, and, despite Cordelia’s youth, Gabrielle hadn’t been sure her second stepmother would fair any better. Instead, Cordelia had ended up outlasting Gabrielle’s father.
Since Cordelia's second wedding - was it really only a little over a month ago? - Gabrielle's life had changed completely. The Marquess of Dunbury had become her guardian and he had paid more attention to her than her own father ever had. Although, that attention had not always been positive.
Gabrielle could admit that she was not always the nicest person, particularly when it came to her stepmother, and the Marquess was very protective of Cordelia. That had led to several clashes, which had resulted in Gabrielle's very first spanking since childhood. And her second.
Her emotions about being spanked were mixed. Although she'd hated being treated as a child, hated the humiliation of the exercise, and the pain, she'd also been comforted and coddled following her punishments - even praised. There was a part of her that yearned for that recognition, even though her father was gone (and had never shown any particular interest in her person, no matter what she did to garner his attention).
Before Cordelia had remarried, all of her attention had been focused on Gabrielle, and Gabrielle had loved it. She had taken Cordelia's attempts at finding a second husband rather badly, and her successful marriage to the Marquess even worse. At the time, she'd thought she'd be shoved aside and ignored again... instead, she'd been given her first Season in London. She'd had suitors, she'd made friends, and then she'd botched it all because she'd fallen in love with the wrong man.
It wasn't that Mr. Felix Hood was unsuitable - completely the opposite, he was the Marquess' best friend, third son of a Viscount, and wealthy in his own right. He was charming, elegant, sophisticated, well-read, and incredibly handsome. Unfortunately, he was also in love with Gabrielle's stepmother.
At first, Gabrielle had thought he might be interested in her, but she'd quickly been disabused of that notion. He had seemed to show interest, but he'd never made any formal move to court her - he was the only man she'd danced with at her come-out ball whom she didn’t receive flowers from the following day, the only one who hadn't sent her a single bouquet since, never written her a poem, or even taken her for a short drive in the park - and she'd overheard a conversation between him and the Marquess where the Marquess had actually asked him to keep an eye on her and he’d agreed to the duty. The revelation had been humiliating, despite the fact that she'd never dared show a preference for him anyway (thankfully). She'd been foolish to think that he would dance attendance on her for her sake, but it had still hurt.
After that, she'd quickly tired of London, as she'd realized she had no idea whether or not any of her suitors were truly interested in her, or her dowry, or her connections. She'd known Mr. Hood had no need of her dowry and he already had a connection to the Marquess, but when she'd realized his attentions had been due to duty, not desire, she'd truly lost hope. It wasn't her lot in life to have a marriage like the Marquess and Cordelia's; one that was loving, a true partnership, and very passionate.
Being in London, living with the perfect couple, and having to see Mr. Hood on a regular basis had caused her to act rashly in her desire to escape all the reminders that she would never have what her stepmother did. For some reason, no one ever wanted Gabrielle. She as herself, was never enough to satisfy anyone - not her own father, not Cordelia, and not her suitors. The best solution to ease the ache in her heart seemed to be to return to the country, where at least she didn't have to stand witness to everyone else's happy, perfect lives.
The thought of being in London when Mr. Hood finally did search out a bride, rather than having to stand guard duty over her, had made her feel ill.
The fastest way to escape had been to encourage a rather desperate Viscount Fenworth (whose urgent need for her dowry made him the perfect match, as long as her main goal was to quit London as soon as possible) to elope with her. The Viscount had been more than willing, agreeable to letting her retire to the country to rusticate at his main estate, and was, at least, not entirely repellent to her.
Last night she was supposed to have eloped with him, but they'd been caught. The entire ton had been witness to her attempt to elope with the Viscount, who had made their attempt entirely clear in his haste to secure her as his bride, and then Mr. Hood had actually punched the Viscount when he wouldn't be quiet. It was too late though; the damage was done and by this morning Gabrielle was already known as a flighty creature who had attempted to elope with a man.... w
ho knew what else she might have done with him?
No one could be certain that she'd allowed Fenworth liberties, but they all assumed.
Ironically, Gabrielle was practically pure as the driven snow. Her first kiss - her only kiss - had been interrupted by Mr. Hood, and had been the beginning of her disillusionment with gentlemen of the ton. Mr. Pressen, the suitor in question, had disappeared after that, and if he'd truly had feelings for her, then Gabrielle didn't believe he would have kept away. He hadn’t even attempted to fight for her. Not even for her large dowry.
She knew much more than kisses went on between a husband and wife, in large part because the Marquess and Cordelia... well, suffice to say, they did not always confine their activities to the bedroom and Gabrielle had gotten quite an education one afternoon in the library. So she was well aware she wasn't anywhere close to ruined, but the truth didn’t matter as much as appearances when it came to the ton.
The Marquess and Cordelia had informed her when she first awoke that she was to marry Mr. Hood straightaway, thus saving her reputation. The wedding and breakfast had already been arranged and the guests would be arriving in a little more than an hour, giving her just enough time to dress and prepare herself. Their words. They expected her to be grateful - and truly, if they had chosen any other husband for her, she would have been.
Really, she would have preferred to have received another spanking, or even a series of them, and have that be the end of it, but she knew that such a punishment would not restore her reputation. Only marriage could do that, and Mr. Hood had left last night to procure a special license. The hasty wedding would stem most of the talk amongst the ton about last night's events - or so the Marquess and Cordelia seemed to think.
When Arabella, Gabrielle's best friend and the sister of the Duke of Manchester with much more experience in Society, had arrived this morning, ready to play bridesmaid, she'd concurred with their conclusion. Which meant Gabrielle was stuck, in a mire of her own making.
She looked up at Mr. Hood, his dark hair brushed back from his forward, his dark eyes burning with intensity as he looked down at her while the minister droned on. Behind him, Mr. Hood's eldest brother, the Viscount, was standing up for him as best man. Behind her, Arabella was acting as her maid-of-honor. Their audience included the Marquess - who had given her away - and Cordelia, the Marquess' cousins Lady Hyde, Viscount Petersham, and their spouses, Arabella's brothers, and Mr. Hood's middle brother. There was no escape.
Gabrielle lowered her eyes as she made her vows in a low, husky voice, pressing back the urge to cry as she pledged herself to a man who would probably treat her kindly, because that was what her stepmother would want, and whose kindness would break her heart. There was nothing to be done, although she hoped she might be able to convince him that she should be allowed to leave London. Perhaps stay at his family's estate. At least that way she wouldn't have to watch her husband fawn over her stepmother, while pretending affection for Gabrielle in order to impress Cordelia.
Mr. Hood made his vows in much louder tones, his voice sure and confident, and she knew that he truly meant them. Well, all except the love part. But Mr. Hood was an honorable man, a dutiful man as he'd already proved, and she had no doubt that he would keep his vows. After all, despite his reputation as a rake, the only woman he'd paid any attention to, other than Gabrielle, had a striking resemblance to Cordelia. Obviously he could only admire Cordelia from afar, and Cordelia had made it clear that she cared for Gabrielle, so now he would care for Gabrielle for Cordelia.
Bitter, bitter, bitter...
She shoved such thoughts to the side, choosing to concentrate on the pink rosebuds in her bouquet. They reminded her of her come out ball, when Mr. Hood had been so attentive, so charming, and she'd thought he actually had a passing interest in her. No bouquet had been forthcoming the next morning and she'd realized she was wrong, but that evening had proven to her that they could rub along well enough together. That was all she had to do for now, until she could persuade him that she'd be happier away from London - and, not so incidentally, him.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Gabrielle's breath caught at her throat as Mr. Hood stepped forward, his fingers under her chin, tilting her head up. She blinked at him, surprised by the intensity of his gaze as he looked down at her and very gently lowered his mouth.
This was... this was nothing like her first kiss. Mr. Pressen had been attractive, but even at the time she'd realized that his kiss had left her breathless because she had wanted to be left breathless by her first kiss. This kiss left her breathless because of the way her entire body warmed at Mr. Hood's touch, the yearning that poured through her, and the utterly shocking way he held it for far too long, considering their audience.
Her entire body flushed as his lips moved over hers. Was he always this passionate? Was he just a very good kisser because he was so experienced? The questions swirled about her mind as the sensation of his lips on hers sent her senses rioting.
When he pulled away, she blinked up at him, dazed and confused, inwardly cursing her body's reactions. Her only hope of surviving marriage to him was to keep her emotions in check, to hold herself away from him, but how could she do that when a mere kiss sent her spinning?
******
Married. Not quite happily yet, but Felix was determined to get there, if he had to drag Gabrielle kicking and screaming to do it. Mostly, his new bride seemed confused and withdrawn, not at all like the fiery young woman he'd gotten to know - or even the kinder version of her that he'd witnessed on occasion. The only time she smiled during the entire wedding breakfast was at the servants - although he supposed that wasn't too surprising. He'd noted that Gabrielle had a very sweet way with the servants; it was with her guardians and himself that she acquired a waspish tongue.
The very first time he'd seen her had been on Philip and Cordelia's wedding day, when he'd witnessed her gifting two servants' children a gorgeous pair of dresses for their dolls. It had made a rather lasting impression, especially as it was quite contrary to the disdainful and disrespectful way she had spoken of her stepmother mere hours after he'd witnessed that kindness to the children. Although, since then, her relationship with her stepmother did seem to have become less fraught. Felix was aware that Gabrielle had been disciplined by her guardian, and from what he'd seen, benefited greatly from it.
Which he was glad of. He firmly believed in spanking a badly behaving wife. In fact, he'd actually threatened to spank Gabrielle before, which had not gone over well, considering that at the time he'd had no real right to do so. Now he did, but he wasn't going to hold any of her past transgressions against her.
It didn't look like she'd be making any new ones anytime soon, however. She was practically silent at the breakfast table, her focus entirely on her food, although she'd sent a few longing glances down the table to where Arabella was sitting. Felix regretted that her friend had to be seated so far away, but family came first. He'd never quite understood Gabrielle's animosity towards Cordelia in the past, and he certainly didn't understand why Gabrielle would barely even look at her stepmother today. While it was obviously distressing Cordelia, Gabrielle wasn't actually being impolite, so there wasn't much he could do about her behavior. She seemed to be in a kind of shock at the hasty wedding, rather than purposefully ignoring Cordelia at the moment anyway.
Instead, he applied himself to keeping the conversation going, allowing Gabrielle to sit silently since it appeared that was what she wanted. He and Philip combined their efforts to keep Cordelia entertained. Part of him wanted to spark Gabrielle's ire, the way he always had in the past, just to get a reaction from her, but that would be ungentlemanly. She just looked so pale and unlike herself, and he could practically feel the tension emanating off of her, growing as each minute ticked by.
Finally, he decided that they'd been there long enough that they could take their leave without being rude.
Taking Ga
brielle's hand, he looked around the table, catching everyone's eyes. "I believe it might be time for Gabrielle and I to quit the table, we both need to change and then we have quite a bit of traveling to do."
"Traveling?" Gabrielle asked, stirring beside him. He could feel her fingers stiffening against his.
Felix shot a glance at Cordelia and Philip.
"Oh yes," Cordelia said, her hands fluttering. "I forgot to mention in all the excitement this morning, that Felix sent a message asking for your things to be packed for a trip. I had Molly put them together."
The frost coming off of Gabrielle was enough to chill the warmth in the room, as everyone eyed her, almost waiting for an outburst. She avoided his eyes, but he saw Philip's catch hers, and he raised his eyebrow at her, as if asking if she truly wanted to throw a fit here and now.
"I see," Gabrielle said finally, her voice still frosty but polite enough to pass muster. She was still avoiding Felix's eyes and the paleness in her cheeks was so severe that she nearly looked translucent. "Thank you."
"I didn't realize you didn't know. We'll be going to the main estate," Felix said quietly, squeezing her fingers gently. "My parents will be excited to meet you." If anything, Gabrielle somehow managed to look even paler at his pronouncement.
"Molly will be going with you, as your lady's maid," Cordelia said in a rush, she glanced at Felix and smiled. "And Felix has agreed to take her and Robert onto his staff once you're settled." He'd agreed after Cordelia had told him that Gabrielle had taken a special liking to her maid Molly and her daughters, and they to her.
Apparently Molly wasn’t the only member of the staff that had an interest in Gabrielle; Philip's housekeeper also had a soft spot for his bride - he'd seen the woman surreptitiously watching them from the doorway throughout the meal. He'd thought some familiar faces would benefit her during the transition, and that seemed validated by the fact that they'd - finally! - been able to say something that didn't make her even paler.
Gabrielle's Discipline (Bridal Discipline Book 3) Page 1