He pities me.
Ithurt. A wave of misery and self-pity washed over her, mingled with an odd sensation of frustration. She had been so close to something wonderful, only to have it snatched away from her. Covering her face with her hands, Ursula burst into tears.
***
Graham had not slept well. His eyed his face in the mirror with resignation and displeasure. He was pale, his eyes were puffy, and there was a general air of tiredness about him.
Capital, indeed as a grim humour spread across his countenance. Precisely the spectacle one anticipates the morning after a gentleman's first night with his new bride.
Guilt nagged at him, as well as a lingering feeling of frustration regarding the previous evening.
He was sure that cutting off their intimacy was the correct thing to do. While Ursula had not seemed uncomfortable as such, what right had he to demand such an act of intimacy with her? She barely knew him. She had been ordered to wed him to save herself and had duly obeyed. No doubt she’d received the same grim lecture about Marital Duties and what a husband would expect from his wife and had prepared herself to submit.
Well, Graham did notwanther to submit. She deserved better, and so did he. The very least he could do was to give them time to get to know each other a little better.
Besides, there had been a moment when her fingers tightened on the nape of his neck that reminded him so strongly of Jane that it made him jump.
He and Jane had enjoyed more intimacy than a courting couple ought to, but whenever he went too far or did something she did not like, she had a tendency to press on the nape of his neck, or tug on his hair or ear. It was a sign he learned to recognize, and Ursula’s touch had jolted something inside him.
It hadn’t changed the fact that he had left her room aching with arousal, wanting nothing more than to walk back into the room and pull her into his arms.
Enough of that, fool,Graham thought, readjusting his cravat in the mirror.
Is it so impossible to get through breakfast?
He hadn’t expected to see Ursula at the breakfast table and faltered a little when he walked into the room.
She was breathtakingly beautiful, dressed in a deep yellow silk gown, her hair done up simply with ringlets allowed to fall down her neck.
“Good morning,” she said, sipping her tea. She presented herself with flawless composure. Her complexion was unblemished and fresh as if she had enjoyed the most profound slumber.
I made the right choice,Graham thought, advancing into the room.I did well to leave her alone last night.
“I thought you’d be taking breakfast in bed,” he remarked, taking his usual seat. “Wedded women usually do.”
“I don’t believe I fancy it, to be more than honest. Besides, I’m used to getting up for breakfast, and I thought I might as well do so today. There’s herring for breakfast, by the way.”
He smiled faintly, and helped himself to a herring, along with some bacon, eggs, and several slices of toast.
“I hope you slept well?” he ventured at last.
She smiled again. “Remarkably well, thank you. The bed is most comfortable.”
“I am pleased. You must mention to Mrs. Richards if you would like anything to be changed.”
“I shall. I can think of nothing, however.”
A silence fell over the table.
This is ridiculous, Graham thought miserably.We are making small talk as though we are very loose acquaintances, rather than husband and wife.
He set down his fork with a clatter.
“Ursula, I hope you are not upset over last night,” he said plainly, making sure to avoid meeting her eye. “I had no intention of offending you.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “Offended me? Why, no.”
He blinked at her. Shewasvery convincing, staring coolly back at him.
