The realization of Lila’s new life dawned on her slowly.
And yet, she realized as she turned her head, she had awoken alone.
She was no longer a maiden. After six and twenty years, she’d finally given herself to a man, to her husband.
Who was likely already growing impatient that she’d yet to have risen for the day. Lila glanced toward the bag she’d brought along with her. She should have removed the gown she’d intended to wear today and laid it out so it would not be wrinkled. She ought to have brushed out the one she’d worn the day before. Things Fran normally did but Lila had taken for granted. She’d have to remember to thank her maid when she saw her again.
She’d not slept a great deal, far too aware of the man dozing beside her and today she would pay for her lack of sleep.
Without a maid to assist her.
Lazy.She chastised herself and climbed out of bed to tackle the business of dressing and preparing for another day’s travel.
When she finally presented herself outside, she was disappointed to see that her husband had saddled his mount, leaving Lila to ride inside the coach alone again. She’d rather hoped to have some company today.
She’d hoped he might seem friendlier.
Catching sight of her, he nodded in approval, handed the mare off to a driver and covered the distance between them. “You’re prepared to travel?” His gaze flicked to her bag. “Did you get anything to eat?”
She shook her head. She normally wasn’t very hungry in the mornings.
“Calvin!” He waved a hand to the manservants who rode up with the driver. “Her Grace requires some rations to break her fast.”
The day before, Lila hadn’t paid much heed to anything or anyone, she’d been so fraught with uncertainty. Today she took note of both the driver and the outrider. Both were similar in appearance, red-haired and burly. The driver, whom she remembered being addressed as Drake, appeared to be the elder of the two. Perhaps they were brothers.
“I don’t normally eat much in the mornings.” Suddenly, she felt shy again. She might not have this chance again, however, anytime soon. “I was hoping you would ride with me today.” And then she bit her lip.
With a glance over his shoulder, he studied his mount. And then his eyes shifted back to the carriage. “I usually ride.”
“But we are newly married. I would like to come to know more about my husband.” And for some reason, she felt herself blushing again.
Lila was not one to blush. She wondered when all of these unsettling emotions might settle down. Surely, they couldn’t last throughout the course of her marriage.
Pemberth glanced over his shoulder again. Calvin was already emerging from the inn, a small basket in hand.
And then Pemberth surprised and pleased her. “Very well. For a while, anyhow.”
Excusing himself, he went to have a word with his outrider, took the basket from him, and returned to assist Lila into the carriage.
If she was to endure another day in this Godforsaken vehicle, at least she would have company while doing so. She sat facing forward and her husband climbed in beside her.
The interior shrunk with his presence, and Lila’s heart felt as though it skipped every other beat. Hopefully, this hadn’t been a mistake.
As the carriage lurched into motion, Lila gripped the leather strap and turned herself to partially face him.
He didn’t look at all comfortable. The bench seat hadn’t been built for a man of his size, and she ought to have perhaps considered this before posing her request. Irritating him was not going to get him to send for Arianna any sooner.
“I’m glad it isn’t raining,” she began. Anything to fill the long silences he seemed to prefer. “You mentioned you were needed back at your estate. Do you have meetings?”
Oh, but his eyes were such a light blue that they almost appeared silver. He shifted on the bench and turned to face her as well. He’d lifted one knee partially onto the upholstery, causing their knees to touch.
Lila swallowed hard.
“No,” he answered curtly.
“Tell me about the duties that fill your time.” She played with the ruffle on one of her sleeves. Perhaps she appeared less attractive to him today. She’d been unable to affect the same neat chignon Fran had the day before and the pale blue traveling gown she’d donned was more wrinkled than smooth.
He drew her attention back to his face when he let out a long sigh. “The Pemberth Dukedom. My estate.” And then, “Ourestate.” He met her gaze steadily. “Is… not financially viable at this time. Tenants are quickly abandoning it for more lucrative prospects.”
