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“Sad,” I answered when she did not seem to have the words.
“I am happy. It is just…both.”
“I understand,” I whispered. “When they return to Belclere Castle, we will invite them to visit, or we may go to them if you prefer.”
“Thank you.” She smiled.
How was it possible for one woman’s smile to take such command over all my thoughts, all my life?
“Are we going to Everely now?” she asked.
“We shall go. But not immediately to the estate. I hope to spend some time showing you a bit of the other towns along the way, as I know you enjoy your freedom.”
“That sounds lovely…and tonight?” She asked softly.
“Tonight, we will remain at my—our—home here,” I answered. I wondered once more what she had been told to expect of her wedding night.
The ride back to the house was silent, and the closer we came to reaching our destination, the more anxious I found myself becoming. It was as though the beast in me was at the table, pounding his fist, demanding to eat, and there before me was a lamb feast. I hungered for her, ached for her, and now that I had her, I feared that hunger was so severe I would forget myself and, most importantly, forget how delicate she was in this matter.
“Welcome home, Your Grace,” the footman said as he opened the carriage door. When I reached back for her, she stepped out, looking to the house as though she had never seen it before.
“Your Grace,” the footman said to her, and she stared at him for a moment longer before nodding.
“Come,” I whispered, leading her inside to where the maid was already waiting. “Your maid has gone ahead to Everely, so I arranged to have someone attend to you for the night here.”
“Thank you,” she said.
“This way, Your Grace,” the maid said, leading her to the stairs. When I did not follow her up, Aphrodite paused and glanced down at me.
“Are you not coming?”
“I shall. I need to confirm some matters for our trip in the morning. I will not be long,” I lied, for everything had already been confirmed. There was nothing left to do, but I wished to give her a moment.
Walking into my study, I sat down and closed my eyes. I desired brandy but did not touch it, since I needed all my wits about me. The waiting was torturous.
After what I hoped was a sufficient amount of time I finally got up and walked to the door. Upon opening it, I saw the very same maid that I had sent with Aphrodite now coming back down.
“You left your mistress?” I asked her.
“She dismissed me for the evening, Your Grace.”
I glanced up the stairs. “She is ready for bed then.” I was not asking her but telling myself.
“Yes, Your Grace.”
I walked up slowly, anxious once more. When I reached the door, I was unsure whether or not to knock but erred on the side of caution.
“You may enter.”
I was not sure what I had expected, but it was not to see her on the lounge chair, reading, in the very same dress, the only difference being that her curly hair was now down, and she was barefoot. She stood up, placing her book down.
“You have not changed?” I asked her.
“Am I meant to?”
“Are you not uncomfortable?”
She shook her head. “I am not.”
