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Oliver chuckled. “You are not missing much,” he said. “The mattresses have straw in them, and the fleas are horrendous.”
“That sounds awful.”
“I’m afraid I haven’t even gotten to the worst part,” he joked. “I am not entirely sure what meat was in my soup last night.”
They continued walking down the dirt road, and Emmeline’s eyes roamed the rolling hills in the distance.
“You seem happy here,” Oliver commented.
“I am,” she admitted.
“Will you be returning to Hawthorne House, then?” Oliver asked, his words hesitant.
Bringing her gaze back to meet his, she replied, “I have every intention to.”
Oliver nodded. “I must admit that pleases me.”
“Did you doubt that I would?”
He grew silent for a moment, then said, “I’m afraid our previous conversation was handled very poorly on my part.”
“It matters not.” She had no desire to discuss it, so she asked, “Do you intend to stay long at Lockhart Manor?”
Oliver grinned. “Do you already tire of my presence?”
“Heavens, no,” she rushed out. “You are welcome to stay as long as you are able, especially since it belongs to you.”
“I am only teasing you, Emme.”
“I should have known,” she muttered.
“Frankly, I plan to stay until I can convince you to return to Town.”
“I see.”
Oliver glanced curiously at her. “Do you not wish to return home?”
“I do, but…” Her voice trailed off as she tried to think of the right words to say. “I know this may sound odd, but I feel as if I am home at Lockhart Manor.”
“That is disconcerting, because our home is in London. At Hawthorne House,” Oliver said, his voice taking on a slight edge.
“I am well aware of that, and I apologize if my words offended you.”
Oliver’s face softened as he stopped on the road and turned to face her. “Even though our marriage is one of convenience, that doesn’t mean I want to live separately from you.”
“What if we live in Town for the Season and Lockhart Manor during the winter months?” she asked hopefully.
“That is something I am willing to discuss.”
Emmeline smiled. “Thank you, Oliver.”
“But it is not up to me,” he replied.
“No?”
Oliver shook his head. “You will have to get Jane’s approval first.” He shuddered. “She can be quite frightening at times.”
She laughed. “I think I can convince Jane of our plans.”
