“Yes, of course. I will leave you.” Then she walked away with a small smile.
When Colin was alone, he realized with no small measure of consternation that she had managed to get him to tell her about one of the things that were dearest to him with very little effort. She had broken another rule and he had not seen it until it was too late. And this was just one day after marrying her.
How exactly is this marriage supposed to go as I planned if she keeps doing that?
Chapter 13
Colin is not as hardened and cold as he made me believe. He has granted three of my wishes, but I am unsure he will allow the fourth. Well, we shall see, come dinner.
Three days later, Anna was sitting in the drawing room beyond the great hall with her lady’s maid when she heard Colin’s powerful footfalls outside. She had not seen him throughout yesterday and this morning, so naturally, she would be eager to see him now.
She stood quickly with her book in hand, then winced when the sudden movement made her ribs hurt. Mason applied something cold to the wound every day as Dr. Quentin had instructed, and she had tea with a spoonful of some medicine every night before she slept.
Slipping her feet into her satin slippers, she hurried out to find him. She saw him going up the stairs and followed. When he heard her, he paused and turned.
“Are you keeping from me on purpose?” she asked, reaching the first landing. From the corner of her eye, she saw Chalker bite back a smile.
“No, I am not, Anna.” Colin offered his arm to her and they continued up the stairs.
“But I did not see you yesterday and most of today,” she stated.
His voice was low when he spoke. “I thought we understood the terms of this marriage.”
“Yes, but—” She cut herself off when he gave her a stern look.
“I was going to read in the smaller library on the second floor. You may join me if you wish.”
“Why not the main library?” she asked, and his eyes glinted.
“Because it is not as quiet.” They walked down a bright hallway with large paintings of beautiful fields.
“Well, this is a good opportunity because I have yet to see the second library.”
“Is that so?”
“I got carried away,” she chuckled.
“It is not easy to keep your attention for long, is it?”
“Oh, I am capable of concentrating, but there are simply many rooms and I easily become winded because of my…my wound.”
“Mrs. Willis and Dr. Quentin told me you are recovering well.”
Anna wished he would ask her how she was faring, himself, instead of through the physician and housekeeper. “Indeed, I am.”
Colin opened a door and gestured for her to precede him. This room faced west and the first thing she saw when she entered was the glass dome at the far end. She had wondered which of the rooms enjoyed the dome when she saw it from outside. Below was a brass telescope and a chair behind it. The walls on her left and right were covered with bookshelves and hundreds of books.
“This library is small?” she asked, going to admire the telescope. She heard Colin follow her.
“I said smaller,” he intoned.
“Well.” She shrugged, then leaned over the telescope.
“The dome can be opened for a clear view of the sky. It has not been opened recently because of the storms.”
“Oh, I would love to see the stars,” she whispered, seeing nothing but the cloudy skies. Anna straightened and turned. “You truly are devoted to science.”
“I enjoy it.” He was quieter today. “I will read now.”
