“I didn’t think Joseph’s Well was a large enough village to have so many talented people living and working here.”
Mr. Bateman chuckled. “They do not live here. Most of them are traveling merchants.”
“But of course! Foolish of me.” She shook her head, embarrassed, but he pulled her to a halt, drawing her closer to him at the same time.
“Not foolish. You are never foolish,Princesse.” He was so close that she had to tilt her head back to see into his eyes. His lips were parted, and if she wasn’t mistaken, his heart was racing as quickly as hers.
“You are enjoying yourself, Mrs. Bateman?” His voice held some laughter, but also something else, as though her answer mattered a great deal.
“Immensely.” And as she often did while in his presence, found herself grinning up at him. “And you, Mr. Bateman? Is your leg-shackle as uncomfortable as you have imagined?”
The playacting was bittersweet.Embrace what she had today…
“Quite the opposite, wife.” His gaze fell to her lips just before he bent forward and settled his mouth on hers again.
Sweet, tender… too short.
He lifted his head and ran one hand through his hair. “Come this way, Wife,” he surprised her by saying, tugging her along into yet another tent.
Reflections of the waning sunlight bounced off of the jewelry displayed by this particular merchant.
Aubrey hesitated to study the wares. She had never worn jewelry of any sort. Not when she was younger, and most definitely, not after she’d married.
Vanity, Harrison had never hesitated to remind her, was a sin.
“My wife is in need of a ring.” Mr. Bateman was studying the display. He lifted one up to inspect and then, taking her hand, slipped it on her finger. “It’s perfect, don’t you think?”
“But I couldn’t.” Only it fit her perfectly and she never would have guessed at the pleasure she felt to see something sparkling on her hand. The metal was a twisted silver with one small stone embedded in the setting. Brilliant blue, reminding her of his eyes.
“It’s only paste.” He argued.
“Oh, but it is n—“ the merchant began but was halted by a hard glance from Mr. Bateman.
“It is too dear.”
“It’s only a trinket.” He stared down at her hand, seemingly as pleased with the effect as she was.
Even if it was made of the cheapest of materials, she’d cherish it forever. With quick perusal of the other offerings, she lifted a second ring, similar but designed for a man. “Then you must have one as well.” And she took his hand and slid it onto his slim but masculine ring finger. It looked quite elegant, and she found even more satisfied looking at his than her own.
“Very well.” He laughed. “Our marriage is official now.”
She pulled some coins from her reticule, but when she went to pay, he shook his head. “Put that away.”
“But it is my gift to you!” She folded the coins into his hand and before he could argue added. “I will wait outside while you pay.” And then leaning forward. “Be certain to haggle with him, I imagine he expects it.”
With a smiling glance over her shoulder, she stepped out and stared up at the sky. Stars already twinkled in the twilight sky and a gentle wind cooled her cheeks. This was one of those moments she’d remember forever. The fortune teller’s words whispered in her mind once again. She would savour this moment, this night.
Arms wrapped around her from behind, sending even more spirals of giddiness through her. “Thank you for the ring, Princess.” His voice sounded gravelly and his French accent thicker than normal. She held out her hand for inspection.
“And thank you for mine.”
He would joke. They could pretend for this afternoon, this evening. The music struck up again and he turned to gesture that they proceed. As the volume of the revelry increased, dancers came into view. This part of the road had been blocked off and lanterns strung overhead.
Aubrey was surprised to see the Wootens on the floor dancing, along with a few other familiar faces of people whose names she could not remember. She and Mr. Bateman stood watching as the line dance was well under way and seemed somewhat complicated.
“Did you dance, much, Princess, in the village you called home?”
She had never learned. Frowning to herself, she shook her head side to side.
