Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
She began to sob, the sound muffled as she hid her face into my chest. I lifted her off her feet and sat in the great chair with her on my lap, allowing her to cry. I stroked her back, making small noises in my throat as I held her close. At one point, Edward walked in, stopping short at the tableau in front of him. I shook my head in warning, and with a bow, he stepped out, drawing the door closed once again. I knew he would ensure we were not disturbed.
Aside from her, I had never held a woman this way before. Offering the shelter of my arms for something other than pleasure. Madeleine was a warm weight on my lap, still far too thin, but she fit against me well. The soft scent of lilacs I had come to associate with her was stronger with her so close, the smell alluring and warm.
Finally, her cries stopped. I slipped a square of linen into her fist, soothing my hand over her hair one last time. She sighed, blew her nose in a dainty fashion that made me smile, and wiped her eyes.
Silence hung between us.
“Are you well now, Maddie?”
She lifted her head, surprise on her face at the shortened version of her name. “My lord?” she whispered.
“I heard your servants call you that name. I like it, and it suits you.”
“My—my mother called me Maddie when I was a little girl.”
“Then Maddie it shall be. And I should like for you to call me Alexander. I am, after all, your husband.” I touched her cheek. “And this is your home. If you wish to put vases of flowers in every room, then do so.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment, her gaze flitting around the room. I felt her desire to say something, and I drew a finger down her pale cheek. “Speak.”
“You will not punish me if I make you angry?”
“No. You need to stop living in the shadows of the past. No harm will come to you here. On my honor, I swear it.”
I gathered her hands, holding them tight. “You can trust me, my wife. I promise your life will be different from now on. Let go of your fear and worry.”
She blinked. “I will try.”
“I am your husband. You can discuss anything with me. I wish only to help you adjust and find your happiness.”
She simply nodded, her eyes wide in her face.
“How often did you make your father angry?” I asked.
“He was angry at me all the time. He punished me every fortnight or so.”
“Your father,” I spat, “is a monster. A fucking bastard.”
At her shocked gaze, I smiled. “I apologize for my rudeness. I realize your tender ears are not used to such vulgarities.”
She swallowed. “I have heard that and much worse, my, ah, Alexander.”
The simple joy of hearing her say my name made me smile. “I imagine you have.”
Her voice became a whisper. “There are times I uttered those words myself.”
I had to laugh at her confession. “They were well deserved.”
She offered me a smile. It was timid and tremulous, but it was there. It changed her expression, and I could see the beautiful woman under the mask she’d worn for so long.
I decided I wanted to see more of that woman. I felt as if we had turned a corner, and if I allowed her to walk away, her doubts would creep back in and she would become fearful again.
“It is a lovely day. Why don’t I ask Cook to pack a lunch, and we will walk to the woods and have a picnic. I can show you more of the estate.” Teasingly, I lifted my knee, making her bounce. “Would you enjoy a stroll with me, Maddie mine?”
Her eyes widened at my term of endearment, but she looked pleased.
“Yes.”
“Then allow me an hour. You prepare yourself, and I will instruct the kitchen to fill a basket with all varieties of delicious morsels.”
She slid from my lap. “Thank you.”
I kissed her hand. “Thank you, Maddie.”
She departed, leaving a trail of her soft scent behind.
What, I wondered, had just begun?
Something wonderful, I hoped.
I strode to the door and called for Mrs. Dougall. I instructed her to have the kitchen prepare a feast and to procure a soft blanket on which Maddie could sit outside.
When she departed, I rode the short distance to the steward’s house I had granted Edward, hoping I would find him at home. Thankfully, he was there to greet me as I rapped at his door.
“Is something amiss?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “Is Lady Wheaton well?”
“She is,” I reassured him. “However, I need your expertise again.”
He nodded, waiting for my instructions.
“I wish to know everything there is to know about Barnett. Dig deeper than before. His past, now. Finances, holdings, consorts.” I paused. “His dead wife.”