thirty-three
At the end of the wedding breakfast, Vivienne’s body was sore, and her conversation with Samuel hadn’t gone as planned. She’d lacked the courage to ask him if he meant to visit her at night, sleep in her bed, and have children one day. But maybe she should make sure her health was good before making any proposals.
Father hugged her for a long minute when he was about to leave after the reception ended. “I’m sorry about your mother. She loves you. You know that, don’t you?”
“I do.”
He kissed her forehead. “Don’t hate her. Please.”
“I don’t.”
“I wish you all the happiness you deserve.” He turned serious. “Something peculiar happened today. If a maid finds my pocket watch by any chance, will you send it to me?”
“Did you lose your pocket watch?”
“I can’t find it.” He patted his jacket. “I had it outside of the church, and I checked it in the carriage. So it must be?—”
“Here.” Captain Jackson, just returned from yet another errand, handed the gold pocket watch to Father. “We found it on the floor, Huntington.”
Father hesitated before taking it. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for being here.” The captain stretched out his hand, and Father shook it.
“We care about the same people, Captain, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for my daughter.” Father slid the watch in his pocket. “I asked the police superintendent to send news to both of us.”
The captain gave another nod.
William scowled as he held the door open for Father. “My lord.”
The captain shook his head at him. “William.”
“Captain.” The footman shoved his hands into his pockets.
“Is something the matter?” she asked, glancing from one to another.
The captain smiled. “Nothing you should worry about. I suggest a nap before dinner.”
Halfway to the stairs, she paused to catch her breath. The sensation of being about to die had been real; it tormented her even now, but knowing the fatigue wouldn’t last changed everything. Now she had hope.
Samuel stopped next to her. “Tired?”
“A little.”
“Allow me.” He opened his arms, and she went to him without hesitation.
He gathered her up and carried her up the stairs. She pressed her ear to his chest, hearing the steady beat of his heart.
“Aren’t you tired?” she asked.
He made a noise deep in his throat.
She tilted her head up. “So? Are you?”
He smiled and put her down on the landing. “I can’t answer when my hands aren’t free.”
Warmth of shame flooded her face. “Yes, of course. I shouldn’t have asked. How embarrassing.”
He kept smiling and shrugged. Holding her hand, he led her to her bedroom. Bernard placed a large glass of tonic on her nightstand before checking the curtains of the four-poster bed.
