“Yes, about how I was set to inherit the horse farm if he didn’t marry,” Elinor replied.
Her aunt exchanged a worried look with Sophia. “Are you sure you want to do that now?” she asked. “I am not saying you shouldn’t tell him, but surely there is a better time to do so.”
Elinor walked over to the bed and picked up the dress. “This is something I need to do.”
“All right,” her aunt said. “I support your decision.”
“Thank you,” Elinor responded.
Sophia approached her and helped her dress. Elinor smoothed down her gown and said, “Wish me luck.”
Her aunt spoke up. “Start the conversation by complimenting him,” she suggested. “Men love to be flattered.”
With an approving nod, Sophia replied, “Mrs. Hardy is right, and be sure to pout. That will bring attention to your lips. It will remind him that you kissed him last night.”
“You kissed him?” her aunt asked.
Elinor’s lips twitched. “I did,” she confirmed.
“Well done,” her aunt declared. “I must say that you two have made remarkable progress since yesterday.”
Walking over to the door, Elinor said, “Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need luck, Dear, you just need to keep kissing your husband,” her aunt said. “That will distract him from the truth.”
“Goodbye, Aunt Cecilia.” Elinor departed from her bedchamber and headed down to the main level. She was almost to the dining room when she saw Bryon.
The butler’s eyes crinkled around the edges when he saw her. “Good morning, my lady,” he said with a tip of his head.
“Good morning,” she replied in kind.
“Your husband requested a carriage be brought around front,” he informed her. “Apparently, he wants a ride in the countryside with you.”
Elinor smiled. “I think that sounds like a splendid idea,” she said before she stepped into the dining room.
Alden met her gaze and rose from the head of the table. “Good morning, Wife.”
“Good morning, Husband,” she responded.
He retrieved a chair, placing it to the right of his. “Come join me for breakfast,” he encouraged.
“I would like that very much,” Elinor said.
Once they were both situated, a footman stepped forward and placed a plate of food in front of her. She stared at the plate, knowing that much needed to be said between them. And she wasn’t quite sure where to start.
Chapter Sixteen
Alden realized he quite liked having Elinor as a wife. For the first time, it seemed as though everything in his life was falling into place. He now owned a thriving horse farm, would soon be collecting Elinor’s dowry, and was married to a woman who inspired him to be a better man.
A smile spread across his face as he glanced over at Elinor from the head of the table. “How are you faring this morning?”
Elinor reached for her glass. “I am well,” she replied. “I trust that you slept well.”
“I did, especially after you kissed me,” he said, a teasing note in his voice.
She choked on her drink. “Must you bring that up?” she asked, hastily setting the glass back down on the table.
“Why?” he asked.
