Henry met her curiosity with a calm demeanor. “In my own residence?”
“Oh, you know what I mean,” Frances retorted with a wave of her hand, eyeing him with an interest that did not go unnoticed by Thalia. “You areneverhere. Is it because of Thalia’s sickness?”
A flicker of tension passed across Henry’s face, tightening his jaw.
“She was just telling me about this awful headache of hers,” the lively blonde woman continued, oblivious. “I must say, it has me quite worried. I have sufferedterribleheadaches after many a ball and, as I was just saying to Thalia, in the summertime, but she is not herself, Henry. Is something going on? Has the physician given bad news? Oh… is it a child?”
She jittered with excitement as she spun around to look at Thalia, who could do nothing but smile stiffly and shake her head and hope that her cheeks were not as red as they felt. Why did everyone keep bringing up children?
“I happened to be here when she fell ill,” Henry said evenly. “I thought it prudent to stay awhile.”
Frances barked a laugh. “A true husband, at last?”
“Something like that,” Henry replied without so much as a glance in Thalia’s direction. “A companion, at least, for the foreseeable.”
“Well, all I shall say is, it is about time!” Frances cheered, casting a look at Thalia that Thalia did not understand.
It was a look that spoke of past conversations which, of course, Thalia could not remember. Had she discussed Henry with Frances? Had she discussed children with Frances? Had she discussed wanting to have Henry nearer? Thalia could not very well ask right now, in front of him.
“James will be thrilled,” Frances carried on. “He is always saying how improper it is for a husband and wife to live apart, though I do not seehimmarrying to show us all how it is ‘supposed’ to be done.”
Henry raised an eyebrow. “Is he now?”
“He said it in passing, I am sure,” Frances replied, chuckling. “Anyway, now that I know you are here to take care of my dearest Thalia, I am more inclined to depart without causing more of a fuss. She needs to be at the very peak of health by next week.”
That raised eyebrow dipped down into a frown upon Henry’s brow. “And why is that?”
“Because Catherine is having her first ball,” Frances replied, “and Thalia and Ihaveto be there. I shall send you the information in case the invitations are further delayed. Now, Thalia, I?—”
“We cannot attend,” Henry interrupted.
Frances rolled her eyes. “Obviously, if her sickness does not permit it, then there is no expectation, but I wouldliketo attend my friend’s ball with my very best friend.” She looked to Thalia. “Apologies, I do so hate to speak of people as if they are not here.”
Thalia appreciated that more than Frances could possibly have known, and though a ball was not exactly the sort of place she wished to go with her memory as it was, she found herself softening to the notion. As long as Henry helped fill in some gaps ahead of time, what could be the harm? Indeed, who was to say that, in a week’s time, all of her memories would not be back anyway?
“I would not be averse,” Thalia said, meeting Henry’s hard stare with a half-smirk.
“There!” Frances clapped her hands together. “What quarrel can you have, cousin, when your wife is in agreement? If she is well enough, she will come. Of course, you are invited, too, Henry, but I shall not expect you to partake.”
Henry’s expression darkened. “Why would I not partake? If my wife attends, I will be with her.”
“You… you will?” Frances stared at him, so obviously shocked that, for a moment, Thalia wondered if she ought to offer the young woman a chair to sit down before she fainted.
So, we are not even together publicly.The realization surprised Thalia, for even in marriages of conveniences, the husbands and wives put on a performance of union for society. She had seen the fake smiles and stiff demeanors often enough during her debut Season, couples who tolerated each other at best, loathed one another at worst.
But as she discreetly stole a glance at him out of the corner of her eye, she could imagine him standing with her in a dance, so tall and handsome that he would make a grand partner for any lady. His athletic figure lent itself to elegance and grace, and she wondered if hewasa good dancer. Was she? Or had she forgotten how?
“To ensure no harm befalls her,” Henry replied tightly, no doubt annoyed that Thalia had placed him in such a position.
A small victory.
“Oh, but this is… this istremendous!” Frances gushed, practically vibrating with enthusiasm. “I could not have concocted a better outcome if I tried!”
Both Thalia and Henry stared at her, their frowns almost matching.
“What do you mean?” Henry asked, echoing the question that circled in Thalia’s head. Though she, of course, could not be the one to ask, in case it made Frances suspicious again.
Frances’ exuberance dwindled for a somber moment. “I know it is not my place, and I apologize Thalia, but it is high time my cousin knew.”
