“But it is too much. Thomas, really, the ring alone could feed an entire family for a year.” Her eyes widened as she shook her head. “This is more than I deserve, and you have been far too generous already.”
Thomas’s eyes darkened, and he closed the distance between them, tilting her chin so that she looked into his eyes. “You are my wife, and it is high time you let me spoil you the way you deserve.”
The smell of amber washed over her, but she could not surrender to it. “It is too much.”
“No.” His eyes bored into hers, drowning her in their intensity. “You aremymarchioness, and while I am at your side, you will want for nothing.”
And then he was at the counter, paying for everything, and she was still trying to make the world stop spinning. The jewelry would mean freedom; it would mean safety.
But why does it feel like something is missing?
Her eyes drifted to Thomas.
Chapter Sixteen
“You seem to have made a full recovery.” His grandmother surveyed Thomas from the sofa across from him.
They were sitting in the drawing room of the Elington estate. Thomas and Vivian were seated side by side. Her engagement ring sparkled as it caught the sunlight streaming through the window.
Thomas watched her as she poured the tea, feeling her smile tug a smile onto his own. His sickness was no longer coughing or sneezing, but now and then, his chest felt tight.
“Thanks to your remedies.” Vivian handed the Dowager Duchess a mug of tea. “Though it was a battle to get him to take the last lot.”
“His father was just as stubborn.” His grandmother made a tutting noise. “When he was a boy, I threatened to sit on him if he did not do as he was told.”
“Perhaps I shall do that next time.” Vivian placed a hand on Thomas’s thigh and squeezed it.
Warmth spread through him, even as he felt his chest constrict.Next time.His hand shook slightly, and he hastily clenched it.
“As tempting as that sounds, I do not plan on there being a next time.” Thomas tried to keep his voice calm.
Vivian choked on her tea, her cheeks going bright red. Thomas rubbed her back, and she shook her head. “Are you all right?”
“Tea went down the wrong way.” She coughed.
“You should time your compliments better, Thomas.” He could hear the amusement in his grandmother’s voice even without seeing her face.
“My lady?” a voice said from the door, and they all turned around to see Mrs. Bird standing in the doorway. “My apologies for interrupting, but there’s been a problem with the delivery, and we will need to change the dinner menu. And with us needing to get the London house ready for your return, we could really use your insight.”
“Of course.” Vivian nodded and stood up. “You will excuse me, Agatha, but duty calls.”
“I can come with you.” Thomas tried to stand up and accompany her, but Vivian waved him away, gesturing to the sofa.
“I suspect this will take some time to sort out, and I can handle it without you. Enjoy the afternoon with your grandmother. If I need your help, I will send someone for you.”
She smiled at him, turned, and followed Mrs. Bird. Thomas watched her go, his hand resting where hers had been, eyes following the sway of her hips.
“Vivian seems to be settling into the role of Marchioness rather well.” His grandmother said.
“She has a wonderful mind. And once she gets her teeth into a project, there is no stopping her. You know, she managed to convince the Millers to upgrade their flock of sheep. One conversation with Mr. Miller was all it took.” He shook his head, rubbing a hand along his jaw. “It was amazing to watch. It would have made you proud.”
Her voice sounded deliberately calm. “It clearly has affected you.”
“I challenge anyone to see what I saw and not be moved. She cut right to the heart of it, disarmed him with her earnestness, and by the end of the conversation, he wanted to hear more of her ideas.” Thomas smiled at the memory, remembering the angry farmer melting at Vivian’s earnest smile and complete certainty in her proposal. “The practicality that I saw when we first met—it has bloomed into something else entirely. It is like watching her step into herself.”
“Such high praise.” His grandmother sipped her tea. “Unlike you to be so lavish with such things.”
“I seldom have reason to be.” Thomas ran a hand through his hair, his eyes drifting back toward the door. “She is exceptional, but I expect you already know that.”
