Page 41 of Wed By Proxy

Not really, thought Mathilde, straightening up, and casting him a smile she hoped was both warm and inviting.

“I’m so glad to see you,” she enthused, hurrying around the foot of the bed and approaching him as he slid through the door. His eyes were fixed rather lower than her face, she noticed, so her smile might not actually have registered with him at all. He leaned back against the door as she bore down on him, hands outstretched. When she reached him, he clasped her fingers between his and squeezed them, clearing his throat.

“I’ve missed you,” she said as she gazed up at him, and saw his eyes flare.

“You have?” he rasped.

“Oh yes,” she blinked up at him expectantly.

“I’ve been … very busy,” he responded after a heartbeat.

“Oh, of course,” she agreed, with a quick smile. “I’m sure.”

“You… you’ve been well?”

“Yes,” she agreed enthusiastically. “Only…” she broke off.

“What is it?” The swift look of concern in his eye, heartened her.

“I don’t have all that much to occupy my time,” she confessed. “The snow means I can’t spend as much time outdoors, and—”

“What do you need?”

Her smile wavered. To ask for a tapestry loom now would seem churlish in the extreme after all he had given her. “Just — just to see you a little more?” she suggested. At his frozen expression, she laid a hand on his arm. “I don’t mean to be demanding, I fully realize that your time must be precious—”

He gave a sharp breath, and then Mathilde found herself gathered up in his arms and plastered to his chest. His lips came down on hers, warm and compelling. She gave a muffled exclamation, and then threw herself into the kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck and sighing against his lips. To her surprise, she found herself almost immediately thrust back, and set back onto her feet.

“Your pardon,” he said stiltedly. “I did not mean to—”

Mathilde gazed up at him. He did not mean to kiss her? She fancied her disappointment must have been palpable as she struggled to get a hold of herself.

“Of course not,” she agreed blankly. “How stupid of me.”

“Mathilde—” A sharp rap at the door interrupted them. They both sprang guiltily apart and Prudie entered the room bearing a tray of refreshment. She kept her eyes downcast as she placed it on the small table and then made a swift departure.

“Thank you,” Mathilde called after her, one hand fluttering over her exposed bosom. I must be quite scarlet, she thought, cursing her awkwardness.

“I know I’ve shown up at an advanced hour,” Guy started in gruff tones. “But I don’t want you to think I expect you to entertain me in your bed,” he said flushing red. “’Tis only that I was not at liberty to come any earlier than this.” He huffed out a breath. “I want you to know that I do not mean to neglect you in daylight in the future.”

Mathilde digested this a moment in silence. “Oh,” she said cautiously, and moved to the table to pour them both a drink. “I see.” She could feel his eyes on her as she filled the cups. After a moment’s hesitation, he too approached the table and lowered himself stiffly down into a chair. “Perhaps, we could take a ride together on the morrow?” she suggested tentatively.

He gave a brief nod, accepting the goblet from her, and raising it to his lips. “If you like.”

“Unless… Are you injured or in some discomfort?” Mathilde asked, noticing the awkward way he was holding himself.

“No,” he answered quickly.

“Are you sure? Only—”

“I’m well,” he said, clearing his throat and tossing back his drink.

“So, you are at liberty in the morning?” she asked. “And won’t need to depart at dawn?”

He winced faintly at that. “I could come back in the afternoon, if ’twould be more agreeable to you?”

“I mean you do need to leave at first light?” she ventured, vowing to rise with him this time, instead of slumbering through.

“Mathilde,” his voice was heavy. “I do not presume—” he broke off. “That is, I am aware that I have not done anything to warrant—”