My husband pinched the bridge of his nose between his thumb and his forefinger. All the while, I was left to grit my teeth at the insult to my family. Sydney, while untitled, was certainly a better man than my husband and it grated at me to see him insulted so. I had wished desperately for a marriage like my sister’s, dreamed of a husband who respected and adored me. Night after night, I hoped for a man who was as kind and gentle with his children. Lizzie’s husband was intelligent, charitable, and handsome, everything I had wished for in a man.
Not…this.
* * *
HUGH
That answer was not going to appease Mother. Nor would the haughty tone. And were the noises while she ate really necessary? The soft little hums and moans—they were very distracting. At least the gown she had chosen for dinner was less unfortunate than her wedding gown.
I had spent the entire afternoon in the study, avoiding my new wife. It was cowardly and unkind, I knew, but I truly did not know the protocol for this moment. And tonight… That was a worry at the forefront of my mind.
I had not anticipated marrying at two and twenty. I always thought I would have more… experience before bedding a wife. But a brothel seemed tawdry and there was never anyone appropriate that I had more than a passing attraction toward.
It was not as though Father had time to discuss it with me before he passed. I certainly could not ask Michael. His suggestions would be completely inappropriate for a lady. A viscountess. I had a viscountess.
I had just sworn to love and cherish this relative stranger until death us do part.With my body, I thee worship, that part was clear. The how though, that was murkier. My only relief was that she was surely as inexperienced as me.
While I had been ruminating—not panicking—about this evening’s upcoming events, the conversation had halted. My wife’s little noises of enjoyment dropped away as well. Now, all that remained was the scraping and clattering of cutlery on plates.
Irritation nipped at me at Katherine’s pathetic expression. I felt bad for the chit. And I had no idea how to bring back any sort of conversation. The formerly delicious shepherd’s pie turned gummy and tasteless with a single glance at the miserable look on my wife’s face.
For someone who wanted this marriage desperately enough to trick me into it, she certainly did not look the part of a delighted bride. Particularly now, when she was meant to be celebrating her successes. Perhaps Mother was wrong, it was a rather elaborate plot. One that certainly could have ended worse for Katherine.
She had curled in on herself, moving food around on her plate without really consuming any. This was not the attitude of someone crowing over their victory. Once again, I was struck by how small she was. Could her feet touch the floor under her chair?
Weston came in, tray laden with pudding, and took one look at my solemn bride and made a gesture at me, silently ordering me to talk to her.
“So, Miss Summers, do you have any evening habits that you partake in?” I asked. Weston made a pointed cough, and I glanced over at him—confused. He raised his brows pointedly and it finally dawned on me. “I mean, Katherine? Is Katherine all right?”
“Katherine is fine, or Kate. I usually practice if we’re not entertaining.”
“Practice?”
“The pianoforte. I don’t believe I saw an instrument earlier, though. I will have to find some other occupation. The library looks to be most impressive.”
A memory ghosted through my mind, her fingers moving dexterously over the keys with graceful ease. That was a disappointment, watching her play might have eased the tension a bit.
Still, I seized on her other topic. “The library was a pet project of my grandfather. He was a great reader from what I understand. I believe Michael did a great deal to it while he was managing the estate.”
“Michael?”
Mother’s eyes narrowed at me for that slip. She detested any reminder of the man. Now, I was left to explain a relation to my wife, one I certainly should have disclosed prior to reciting our vows. Such a connection to a gambling magnate would surely have given me pause...
“My, uh, elder brother.”
“Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. I had no idea.” She turned to my mother, wide eyed. “Please accept my condolences.”
It took a moment to understand why she was apologizing. I was so used to the situation that it hadn’t occurred to me to clarify.
“Mynaturalelder brother. He is still with us.”
“Oh… Was he at the wedding? There were so many faces, I cannot recall.”
“No, I had not informed him of our nuptials.”
“Oh,” she drawled slowly, dragging the syllable along behind her thoughts. Finally it seemed to sink in. Perhaps a later date would be better to provide her with the rest of the details.
Mother’s lips had all but disappeared at Michael’s mention, and I did not think she could manage further explanation without a megrim.
