CHAPTER 19
AFTER YEARS IN THEcountry, London was overwhelming. The amount of people, the noise, the traffic, the smells. Everything swirled and swelled around them in a dizzying arrangement that made Abigail wish for the quiet of the countryside even before they had arrived.
At least the trip had been fast and comfortable. Colin had rented an entire luxury train car for them and another for their servants and luggage. And now several carriages conveyed the family from the train station to their townhouse. Abigail shared a carriage with her husband while the countess and Elizabeth followed them in another.
Abigail studied Colin’s profile. Admiring once again the firm line of his jaw, the straight nose, the deep brackets by his mouth that spoke of laughter, or pain. Or maybe both. He had been pensive and subdued the entire trip, and now he was looking through the window, his expression remote.
“What do you think of London?” She asked, just to draw his attention. Ever since that night when she had made her request, there was a distance between them. Oh, he acted as polite as ever. He was always considerate, always amiable. He had come to her bed twice more since then. She knew he enjoyed those encounters. At least he seemed... enthusiastic about them.
But he was guarded. The difference in their interactions was evident. Like a drop in temperature. She mourned the loss of closeness, but could not be sorry for their new arrangement. Their relations were now... pleasant. Calmer. She could retain her control and dignity. She enjoyed the closeness and his kisses. But didn’t quite reach that state of euphoria, which suited her very well.
But he seemed to resent the arrangement, which made little sense. After all, she never refused him, always welcomed him warmly, and he reached his climax. What did he care if she didn’t reach hers? The way she saw it, it was less work for him.
And yet she had the nagging feeling that she had hurt him deeply.
“I don’t know,” he answered. “Haven’t been here long enough to form an opinion.”
“You have never been to London before?” She suddenly remembered that he had left England when he was still a child.
“Once. Briefly. I must have been seven or eight.” he shrugged. “I remember little.”
“Are you looking forward to visiting the sights?” She asked, realizing she didn’t know what he liked to do for fun. Ever since he had arrived on the estate, he had been working nonstop. Did he like the theater? The Opera? Or perhaps he preferred the circus or museums.
“Maybe.” He looked straight at her, making her a little breathless by the impact of his gaze alone. “Would you like to go to any place in particular?”
She smiled. “There’s one place. I would like to go to Cremorne Gardens. I’ve always wanted to go to a pleasure garden, but was not allowed to do so.”
“Not allowed? Why ever not?” he asked with a puzzled frown.
She shrugged, regretting having mentioned it. “My late husband thought they were dissolute and evil. After we married, we only came to London the first couple of seasons.”
“So he didn’t care for London either?”
“Oh, no. He would come to town. He just didn’t bring me. Which suited me perfectly, really. I didn’t want to come to London.” She added hastily in response to Colin’s frown.
He looked like he wanted to say more, ask more questions, but thankfully, he refrained.
“We will visit Cremorne.” he said. “I hear the gardens are beautiful. What else?”
“Well, I know Elizabeth is looking forward to going shopping. So I guess I shall have to accompany her to the shops.”
Now, how had he done that? She wanted to know about his likes and preferences, and he instead had deflected and craftily turned the question back to her.
He nodded. “Make sure you buy a new wardrobe for yourself as well.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Maybe a dress or two. For balls and such.”
“Abigail, you are not a lady’s companion anymore. You are a countess now. And the daughter of a marquess by birth. You should have a wardrobe befitting your station.”
“I suppose. It will be a great waste, though. Especially if Elizabeth marries this season. If that is the case, I don’t plan to attend another season again.”
“Really?” he tilted his head, studying her. “I thought all women enjoyed shopping and attending balls and such.”
“I did. A long time ago. When I was Elizabeth’s age, I was as eager as her for a season. Now I prefer the quiet of the countryside. How about you?”
“I don’t know yet. I guess it will depend on how congenial I find the society in London. In America, I lived in New York, which is a big, bustling city. I like some city entertainments, but I also like the peace of the country. Maybe we could split our time between the estate and London.”
