AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Her parents had been a bit flustered with the rush, but somehow Livvie felt as if her mother knew. She blushed even now, remembering when her mother had taken her aside and asked if she needed to discuss the delicate points of the wedding night. She had been mortified, but she had said no. Her mother and stepfather were well pleased with the match, and her mother even praised her on her ingenuity in compromising such a worthy husband.
A few weeks ago, she’d never imagined she would now be a wife and a countess. Though forming a connection would have been inevitable, she’d never given much thought to the state of being married. What was she to do with her time? Would she still paint and try to sell her work? Her heart shouted yes. Her mother had spoken to her about the finer points of being a countess. Planning balls and hosting parties, from the frivolous types to political ones. She had even been advised to find a few charities to give money to.
Livvie closed her eyes with a soft sigh. She needed to find her way in this world she had been thrown into by her own reckless heart. And she needed to learn her new husband’s ways so their situation could be comfortable. Hopefully the tension of the past few days would fade as they became more familiar with each other’s likes and dislikes. Moving from the window overlooking the splendid grounds, she sat down on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes.
I’m married.
Her heart was suddenly pounding a furious beat and she struggled to breathe evenly. Her mother had told her it was her duty to ensure she pleased Tobias well enough, so he would give up his mistress permanently. Mortified, she’d staunchly informed her mother all such liaisons had been terminated, and she had been dealt such a look of pity her heart had cracked. Thinking about her husband kissing any other woman made Livvie’s stomach hurt and it infuriated her to think his loyalty hinged on her…her what? She had hardly understood her mother’s reasoning. Launching to her feet, she grabbed the letter her mother had given her.
Livvie Dearest,
You will succeed splendidly at your new station. You have attained more than I ever dreamed—you are now the Countess of Blade. I offer you these insights gained from my two marriages, and I urge you to take them to heart for I know how important loyalty and mutual regard in a relationship is to you.
Never argue with your husband.
Never smile too long at other men.
Ensure the household runs smoothly, at all times.
Do not prick your earl’s temper, and I encourage you to obey his directions at all times.
Love the foods that he adores and read the articles he writes.
Compliment your earl often. Men like their vanity to be praised.
Livvie crumpled the note in her fist, unable to read farther, but recalling her mother had mentioned twice that it was Livvie’s duty to provide Tobias with an heir…at all costs. Tears burned the backs of her eyes and she blinked fiercely. She was doomed to fail at her marriage if she needed to do all those things to ensure Tobias was affectionate and faithful. How her mother could urge Livvie to go against her character was beyond her. Her stomach felt hollow at the thought that the love her mother showed her viscount was all contrived, all to ensure he did not abandon her as her first husband had done.
What if the love she thought her mother found with the viscount was all fake? What if Livvie couldn’t be a good wife? What good was it trying to find impossible answers to these frustrating questions?
There was a knock, then the doorknob rattled. She threw the note into the fireplace and it was quickly consumed by the flames. Francie walked in, and Livvie smiled. “Francie, I never expected you.”
“Oh, Livvie, you look so pale. Are you terribly afraid?”
“Only anxious. Everything has happened so fast. What are you doing here? I expected your brother,” she admitted with a blush.
“Tobias is swimming in the lake. The heat is sweltering. Mother says she cannot remember a summer being this dreadfully hot.”
“You do not have to excuse your brother’s absence.”
Francie flushed, confirming Livvie’s suspicion. She pushed the hurt down deep. Was it that he did not want them to have a wedding night? She was unsure if the idea filled her with relief or anger. Her friend closed the door and leaned against it. “I…I wanted to see you before…” Regret and anxiety coated her lovely features.
Alarm skittered through Livvie, and she strolled over to her friend. “Before what, Francie?”
Her lips flattened. “Why did you marry my brother?”
“I—”
“I know your stubborn nature and I do not believe you were coerced. You would never allow anyone to persuade you against your desires, at least not in marriage. I know your romantic heart, so please tell me the truth.”
Livvie frowned, instinctively realizing this was more than what truly prompted her to marry Tobias. “If I did not desire your brother, nothing could have persuaded me to wed him, even with our compromised state,” she answered truthfully. “He makes me angry at times, but he also fascinates me. I…like him.”
Francie wilted in obvious relief.
“What is this about?”
Hot hope glowed in her eyes as she took a tentative step forward. “I have the deepest affection for someone, and I know he adores me, Livvie. He has asked me to marry him, and though I said yes, I know Mother and Tobias will object to our union. I have been in an agony of doubt for most of today, wondering what decision to make. Do I accept the man my mother has selected for me? A viscount whom I am sure Tobias will approve? Or do I follow my heart?”
“Oh, Francie, I am terribly sorry.” Livvie tugged her close and they hugged fiercely. “I am very sure your brother loves you, and I encourage you to speak with him and share what is in your heart. Tell him of your gentleman’s proposal.”
