“Most of them do,” Alexander said, leading her past his study toward the library. “Let me show you their section of the library.”
Beatrice paused inside the door, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
She could live on the estate for the rest of her life and never tire of entering this room.
“I still don’t believe you gave me most of the books,” Beatrice said as she opened her eyes and glanced around at the mostly full shelves.
“I said I gave you a large portion,” Alexander’s voice rumbled beside her. “But this room could not be emptied without ruining its glory. Don’t you think?”
Beatrice could hardly find the words to respond. “I agree,” she finally managed, spinning in a circle to take in the full effect of the room yet again. Even though she’d seen it all before, it was still overwhelming to take in the sheer magnitude of the library.
Alexander chuckled. “And now it’s yours. My mother would be happy to see her books in the hands of someone who clearly loves them.” His voice caught on the last word, and Beatrice turned to him.
“Thank you, my lord,” Beatrice said, offering a smile.
“Alexander,” he reminded her.
Beatrice swallowed.
She was his wife.
She would have to get used to calling him by his name.
“Thank you, Alexander,” she said, putting emphasis on the word.
When she said it, his eyes lit up in a way she hadn’t yet seen. “Thank you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “No one hascalled me by my name since my parents died. It feels good to hear it again.”
Beatrice stared at him, the weight of what he had just said crashing over her. “Nobody….” she began, her voice trailing off. “How many years?”
His jaw clenched. “Too many. It wasn’t proper for Jenkins or anyone here, and my friends always called me Dunham.”
Beatrice couldn’t imagine. Even without her parents, she’d had Dietrich and his mother, Thea, Sophia, and many others who cared for her.
No wonder he was so disinclined to smile.
He needed someone to love him, and who better to do that than his wife?
Feeling a surge of boldness, she reached for his shirt, stood up on her tiptoes, and planted a kiss on his cheek.
His palms came to rest on her waist, holding her loosely, like he was afraid he might break her if he held her with the full strength of his hands. Alexander closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers, taking a deep breath.
“I’m sorry you were so alone,” she said quietly, looking up at him.
At her words, he released her and took a step back, opening his eyes and clearing his throat. “All is well,” he said, shaking his head as if to dismiss the moment. “I am just glad to hear my name again.”
He would soon become sick of hearing it, because she was going to use it as often as she could.
No one should ever be so alone that they didn’t hear their own name.
And now, he no longer was.
Chapter ten
Alexander
Alexander was in hisstudy, trying to apply himself to paperwork and pretending that he hadn't let himself be vulnerable with his wife when there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” he called, and Guinevere walked in and closed the door behind her.
