Devil's Bargain by Jade Lee Page B

away by the second, there was absolutely nothing she could do. She had to comply.
    Moving stiffly, she stepped behind the screen. She began to unbutton her dress, her hands shaking as she did. The tears that had threatened only a moment ago began to spill down her face. She bit her lip to keep from making any sound. She did not want anyone to know, much less look in on her in her misery.
    She continued, slowly removing her clothing until the cold pricked her skin and she shivered. But she did not leave the sanctuary of the curtain. She could not.
    Instead she waited, feeling misery engulf her while shame seemed to pour down on her head from Heaven itself. But then, something happened. Oddly enough, it came as an image, the very image that had haunted her this morning: the viscount sprawled naked across her bed. Apparently he slept that way all the time. And his various girls had been able to come in any time they chose.
    To see him.
    She remembered one of her father’s parishioners—the man every woman whispered about behind her hand. Lynette wasn’t supposed to have heard, but shehad. And she had wondered about it. This man, they gossiped, this miller by trade, had so many women, he was like a desert sheik. He had dozens of bastards, they said. And he walked about his home stark naked without a shred of embarrassment.
    Lynette hadn’t believed them at the time. What person—man or woman—could walk about completely nude? It wasn’t possible.
    But having seen the viscount this morning, completely undressed, and unabashedly so, it must be possible. Of course, he had been asleep. But apparently that was his custom. Every night. As it was to become her custom.
    And if he could sleep naked, allowing any one of his girls to walk in upon him, and if the miller could prance about his home completely unclothed before his hundreds of women, then she, at least, could stand naked before this surgeon. She could allow him to touch her, verifying what she and God already knew.
    She was a good girl. A wholesome girl with no defects. One whom any gentleman would be proud to marry. And now, she thought as she lifted her chin, now she would prove it.
    So thinking, she took a deep breath and stepped out into the room.

Chapter 8
    Mr. Smythe was waiting just where she had left him—standing directly beside the high table. The baroness, however, was pacing before the fire, clearly agitated.
    “Well, thank Heaven. I thought I would have to go back and drag you out.” She took a deep breath. “I know you don’t understand this, but believe me, it is necessary.”
    Lynette didn’t answer. She was too busy standing stock still, her hands by her sides. She was naked, and she refused to lift her hands in any feeble attempt to cover herself.
    Apparently, that pleased the baroness. She came closer, nodding as she inspected Lynette from every angle. “Very good,” she murmured. “Even your negligees can be simple. You don’t need padding anywhere.”
    Lynette frowned, not understanding the comment.Then all thought of clothes fled as Mr. Smythe stepped forward, his gaze much more penetrating than the baroness’s.
    “Yes,” he murmured. “There is much to recommend this girl. She is clean.” He looked up, pinning his pale blue eyes on her. “I find that cleanliness is not only pleasing to the senses, it is also an effective deterrent to disease. You would do well to remember that.”
    He waited, still staring at her, until she nodded in acknowledgment.
    “Excellent,” he continued. “I see your hair color is natural. I had my doubts at first. Your particular shade of auburn is quite rare. And pleasing, I might add. Your bridegroom should be quite happy.” He paused for a moment. “However, if you wish to add a few more red tones, I am sure the baroness can assist you.”
    “My very thought,” chimed in the baroness from the side. “But for the moment the viscount considers her hair color quite adequate.”
    The doctor nodded