“You know I always look out for you,” he said, half in jest but with some seriousness in his voice.
She did not have an immediate reply to that. Instead, she just folded her hands across her lap and stared out the window.
“I cannot imagine that the view outside that window is any more interesting than what is here inside,” he remarked, not able to help himself.
“I suggest you look for yourself, and be the judge,” she replied.
“No,” Alexander leaned back in his seat. “I believe my view from here is just fine.”
He had the pleasure of seeing her blush deepen at the comment. She said nothing.
The rest of the ride was spent mostly in silence, though Penelope would throw a glance in his direction every now and then. When they stepped out of the carriage finally, having arrived at the location, Alexander moved to put a hand around her waist.
“I think I can walk fine, Your Grace,” she said, and just then stumbled a bit. Alexander caught her right on time.
“I would reassess that claim if I were you,” he replied, raising an eyebrow.
“I’m fine,” She shot him a sharp glance.
“Ah.” He kept his tone mild. “Then it must be the company t hat you have an issue with.”
“Well, if you have surmised as much,” she said, “I do not know why you insist on pressing on more information.”
He leaned in slightly as they passed through the double doors and into the golden warmth of the ballroom. “Because I enjoy it when you’re irritated. You have no poker face. It’s rather endearing.”
“I wasn’t aware I needed one.”
“You’re married to me now. It would help,” Alexander laughed.
“I can already tell that this night is going to stretch on for long,” she sighed.
He had assumed, or rather expected, that she would be more excited, as ladies normally are about such things. But she seemed to be holding onto something, and refused to tell him.
No matter,he thought to himself. He would find out eventually.
“I think you need to look at things more positively,” he stated. “It could be an interesting one.”
“Do you really think so?” she asked.
“Well, look around you.”
He gestured to the guests, who were already eyeing the two of them with great curiosity. Such was to be expected, of course. But instead of shrinking away from the attention, he felt that it would be better instead to revel in it.
“The usual curious on lookers,” Penelope sighed. “I have had enough of them, with my history.”
“You need not be irked by them,” Alexander suggested. “If anything, you can take it as a compliment that they are so interested in you.”
“You seem be in a lovely mood today,” she noted after a moment.
“And I would be good if some of it rubbed off on you, as well. Smiling would help,” he whispered to her, “you should at least put on the illusion of being happy.”
At his words, Penelope gave a practiced smile but he could still sense the irritation simmering beneath the surface.
He couldn’t explain why it amused him so much. Perhaps it was the way she didn’t hold back at expressing her disdain to him, something most people would never dare to.
“You know,” he said casually, “Green is your color, I think.”
She glanced at him, surprised despite herself. “It’s emerald,” she said . “And it hides bloodstains.”
