Stroke of Midnight by Vivian Bliss

S TROKE OF M IDNIGHT
     
    Chapter 1
     
    When a married woman reaches a certain age she expects to know her place in society. If all has gone to plan, she has married well, produced an heir and a spare for her husband, and can look forward to pursuing her own private life outside her marriage.
    Henrietta Adams has done her duty to the utmost of her ability. She married Alexander, Earl Gage, with the appropriate fanfare exactly five years ago, gave birth to George and Henry, now aged four and two, as expected. Members of the ton listen when she speaks and when she holds two annual events each season, a ball and a large dinner for her husband's most influential friends, it is described as a sad crush.
     Yet there is something about her husband and their marriage that no one knows. Alexander has a fondness for telling Henrietta what to do, more than most husbands as far as she can tell. Her obedience, and frequent disobedience, heightens his desire. He liked to tie her up to his bed as he takes his pleasure; he liked to hold her down when he doled out what pleased her most. He loved to impose his will until Henrietta screams out a name.
     Master.
    Tonight, at the stroke of midnight, marks the beginning of their fifth wedding anniversary. Henrietta was all aflutter with nerves. Alexander had promised that the evening will be one they will both not soon forget. He had promised pleasure beyond belief and Henrietta trusted him to honor that pledge.
    “Your hair is dressed and ready, my lady.”
    Henrietta turned her head to inspect the simple knot of hair at the back of her head. “Are you sure I shouldn’t have gone with a more elaborate style, Alice? It is our anniversary, after all.”
    The older maid’s eyes softened. “Trust me. This is more complicated than required for the evening planned.”
    Henrietta frowned. “What exactly do you know about tonight?”
    Her maid shook her head. “Nothing more than I need to. However, I am capable of making a few assumptions. Your gown is designed to be easily removed. Your hair should be uncomplicated, too.”
    Alice had been with her since the first days of her marriage. She had eased Henrietta’s anxiety after her first encounter with her husband’s true nature and taught her that her responses were not something to be afraid of. When she’d first met Alexander, Henrietta had not known his darker ways. He’d opened her eyes gradually, easing her into their new life together. They had only ceased such vigorous play during her periods of confinement. Alexander had worried that his will might harm the child if he should be seized by frenzy of lust. The moment when he confessed his concerns so openly, Henrietta believed they could play their games forever. He took extraordinary care with her welfare and she had no need to doubt him.
    Henrietta glanced at the clock, stood, and moved before the full length mirror. “I’ll dress now. It’s almost time.”
     While Alice retrieved her garments from her bed, Henrietta glanced down her body. Skin oiled until it glowed, the hair covering her most intimate parts shaved clean with a man's razor, as well as the hair on her legs and beneath her arms.
     From the few discreet inquiries she’d made of her friends, not one of them prepared for their husbands in such a fashion. But Alexander loved the feel of smooth skin beneath his hands so Henrietta indulged him.
    “Raise your arms, my lady, I'll help you into it. The garment appears slightly complicated to fit.”
    While Alice tugged and tied Henrietta into her undergarments, she stood still, slowing her breathing even while impatience danced beneath the surface of her still limbs. Stockings for her legs, tied with red ribbons, pearl studded slippers for her feet. Thanks to years of practice, it was easy to summon up enough patience not to question the order of her dressing and behave until she could move.
     Henrietta dropped her eyes as Alice bound her into a tight fitting corset