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Edwina appeared in the foyer then, closely followed by Miss Mathews. She must have fallen into the lake because she was drenched, and so was Puppy, who was shivering in her arms. Miss Matthews whispered something to her before rushing up the stairs, removing leaves from her dress as she went and causing him to wonder what they had been doing.
He pulled away from Elaine, tucked the letter into his coat pocket, and extended his hand to his wife, who appeared to be frozen, a perplexed frown on her face. "Lannie, allow me to introduce, my wife, Edwina,” he said in English.
Elaine's sprightly air immediately withdrew at this pronouncement and was replaced by cool courtesy as her eyes traveled between him and Edwina. Although she appeared as though she could not quite believe him, she did not ask the question he had braced himself to answer.When had he married, and how had she not known about it?
His sister had always had the reputation of putting up a fortified wall between herself and strangers. It would take one a lot to break through that wall to reach her, but he knew Edwina would give her no trouble, and they would warm up to each other eventually.
Or perhaps not, his mind’s voice said, taking on a pessimistic tone.
"Edwina," he turned to his wife now, "this is Princess Elaine Drachevsky, my sister."
"Oh, you are Lannie!" Edwina said cheerfully. She seemed oblivious to the tiny leaves that were stuck in her hair and dress neckline. Albert smiled, tenderness swelling in his chest.
"I see Albert has been doing a lot of charming recently, and a lot of talking too." Elaine's gaze assessed Edwina, her expression inscrutable.
"He mentioned you quite a bit," Edwina responded. "It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."
"It is a pity that I am only just learning about you," Elaine deadpanned, and Edwina’s smile faded. "You did not tell me you took a wife, Albert."
"It was in the letter you missed,” he replied, deciding that now was not the best time to elaborate. He took Edwina’s arm and smiled down at her, hoping she did not take any offense at his sister’s behavior.
"Well, I do hope that you have kept my old room, Al, with all the…changesthat have happened." Her gaze was still on Edwina. Before either of them could respond, she whipped around and started toward the stairs. "I shan't be joining you for dinner."
Albert’s jaw clenched. He had expected his sister to have better manners than what she had displayed, and he would have to speak to her about it. Edwina deserved to be respected, and he would not allow anyone to behave inappropriately toward her.
“Well,” Edwina murmured, looking as though she was unable to comprehend what had just happened as she set Puppy on the floor. Albert opened his mouth to speak at the same time that the dog began to shake, sprinkling water on him and drawing a bout of laughter from Edwina. “Oh, Puppy!”
"Get him dried!" he called to Chessman, who quickly picked up the dog. “And have a bath drawn up for Her Grace.”
“At once, Your Grace,” he said, then smiled down at the shivering dog. He shook again, this time, spraying Chessman.
Taking Edwina’s hand, he drew her up the stairs, turning on the first landing toward the west wing to their bedchamber. “What did you do?” he asked, looking down at her body, imagining peeling her wet clothes off her lovely body.
“Kitty and I were in the lake, then Puppy came. I am sure you can guess what happened afterward.”
He chuckled, quickening his steps. “You need a bath.”
“Will you be joining me?” she asked once they were in their bedchamber.
A wicked grin split across his features, and he circled her waist with one arm, pulling her flush against him. “Is that a serious question?”
Her breath caught and her lips parted. Albert took that as an invitation and kissed her, allowing their passion to take control of the moment.
* * *
"There they are!" Baroness Matthews approached them with a glass of port in hand after dinner. "Would you mind if I steal your wife for a bit, Your Grace? I have found myself in a bit of a mire in a round of piquet and I require an expert's help."
“Certainly, Lady Matthews, but do not keep her for long.” He smiled down at Edwina, delighting in how her cheeks turned a lovely shade of rose when their eyes met. She seemed to color more since the night of their wedding.
The Baroness took Edwina away, and a quick glance at the simpering gentlemen and flittering ladies about the room told Albert it was time to find better occupation while his wife was away. Perhaps something productive, too. He decided to go to his study to attend to some recent correspondence, including the one Chessman had given him earlier. Upon entering his study, he found his sister helping herself to his liquor.
"You are out of Scotch, Brother," she said in Russian, pouring some gin into a glass. Albert pointed at a top shelf in the corner where he had a variety of Irish and Scottish whiskey. She gave him a look because she was not tall enough to reach it. He retrieved the bottle for her, smirking.
"Still showing off with your height, I see,” she said.
A smile came over him at the memory of Edwina saying something similar once. "You are welcome.” Albert poured some, handing it to her before reaching for the drink she had poured herself.
"I did not give you leave to have that!" She swatted his hand away. Then she picked up the glass and downed it all in one gulp.
