“Nonsense,” she said, arching a brow. “Your ego is so well-padded, it likely didn’t feel a thing.”
He chuckled, the sound low and warm. “You have an unerring talent for humbling a man.”
“And that,” she said with a soft laugh, “is the duty of every devoted wife.”
He extended his arm with a flourish. “In that case, shall I have the honor of escorting you to dinner?”
She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. “I would be delighted.”
As they strolled arm-in-arm down the corridor, he asked, “How are you adjusting to married life?”
She gave a small shrug. “Considering I’ve only been married since this morning, I daresay I’m managing quite well.”
“Have you had a chance to speak with our housekeeper, Mrs. Whitehall?”
“Not yet,” she admitted. “I intend to do so tomorrow.”
Evander glanced at her with quiet approval. “You are mistress of the house now, with my mother confined to her rooms.”
“I know,” Olivia said softly. “But I don’t wish to overstep or make her feel displaced.”
“I rather think she’ll be relieved,” he replied. “She needs rest, and I trust she’ll find comfort in knowing the household is in capable hands.”
Olivia nodded, touched by his confidence in her. “I shall do my best.”
As they reached the stairwell, Evander added, “I may have taken the liberty of writing to your mother to inquire after your favorite dishes.”
“You did?”
He puffed out his chest with exaggerated pride. “Indeed. It is the duty of every thoughtful husband to impress his new bride at dinner. I’m hoping such efforts might earn me another kiss.”
Heat crept up her neck, but she kept her voice even. “You will have to try harder than that.”
“Then what if I invited your family to join us this evening?”
Olivia stopped at the base of the stairs and turned to face him, eyes wide with hope. “Did you truly?”
“I did,” he said simply.
A bright smile broke across her face. “Thank you. I didn’t get the chance to properly say goodbye earlier.”
“I suspected as much,” he replied.
“You are very thoughtful.”
Before he could respond, a familiar voice called from the drawing room. “Olivia!”
She turned to see Dosia standing in the doorway, her expression bright.
“Dosia!” Olivia greeted with delight as they crossed the room and embraced.
Richard followed, lounging with his usual self-assurance. “It’s only been a few hours since we last saw her,” he drawled.
Dosia shot him a look over her shoulder. “Yes, but now she’s moved out, and I miss her dreadfully.”
Richard stepped to Dosia’s side. “I am more than willing to keep you company, my dear,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.
Olivia rolled her eyes with a smile. “I do not miss that.”
