Not about that,Fi thought darkly.
Oh, her husband was quite happy to let her take charge of the pesky details of domestic life. It was only when she wanted to pursue her own ambitions that he issued his Draconian edicts. Hurt and anger smoldered beneath her breastbone. They’d slept apart last night, and when she saw him just before the arrival of his family, she had given him the cold shoulder. He hadn’t been overly friendly either, his manner cool and guarded.
Isn’t it perfect that we’re fighting during his family’s first visit?Fiona fumed.Here I am trying to play the role of a good wife, and Hawk goes and ruins everything with his boorish behavior.
She summoned a smile for her guests.
“Quite the opposite,” she replied. “Hawk gave me carte blanche for the renovation. With the caveat that I stay out of his study.”
“Like father, like son.” Lady Helena wrinkled her nose, giving her ruffled maroon skirts a flick. “After the maid and I go through his study, Nicholas always grouses that he cannot find anything. As if he could find anything in the first place beneath those towering stacks of papers.”
At her mama-in-law’s wifely exasperation, Fi had to smile.
Effie’s eyes danced. “I wonder if the men’s ears are burning.”
It was just as well that Lord Nicholas and Hawk were locked in the study. Fiona didn’t want her new family to see her staring daggers at her husband.
“If their ears are burning, wouldn’t ours be as well?” she said lightly.
“Not likely.” Lady Helena gave a delicate snort. “Nicholas and Thomas are stoic peas in a pod. Knowing those two, they are puttering over one of Thomas’s inventions. They could happily tinker with gears and whatnots and not exchange a single word for hours.”
“Hawk’s inventions are remarkable,” Fi said grudgingly.
Even if the man himself is an emotional clod.Frustration gnawed at her.Given his own passions, why can’t he understand mine?
“Thomas always was clever. It is wonderful to see him happy as well.”
Faced with her mama-in-law’s gratitude, Fi fidgeted in her seat. Once again, she felt like a fraud. She wasn’t any better a wife than she was a lady. A good wife would be more forgiving of her husband’s flaws. She probably wouldn’t be stewing and storing up rebuttals for later use.
Lady Helena excused herself to freshen up, leaving Fi with her sister-in-law.
“I wanted to thank you for introducing me to Mrs. Quinton,” Effie said.
“You’re welcome,” Fi said brightly. “How did your fitting go?”
“The styles Mrs. Quinton chose for me made me feel confident and, well,prettyagain. I cannot wait for the gowns to arrive.”
“Youarepretty. Clothes have naught to do with it.”
“You shall be the first person I show my new wardrobe to. After Jerry, of course.” Blushing, Effie confided, “Mrs. Quinton is designing some additional items which are rather scandalous, but which she insists husbands enjoy.”
“As usual, Mrs. Q is right.” Fi couldn’t resist adding, “And if you like the items, I would advise ordering spares. That way, you have extras on hand should your husband’s enjoyment prove to be a trifle, well, enthusiastic.”
In his haste, Hawk had ripped several of her negligee sets.
Not that he deserves such treats,she thought indignantly.From now on, he is getting starchy, bulky nightgowns fit for a nun.
Laughing, Effie reached out to squeeze her hand. “Oh, this is so lovely. I have always wanted a sister.”
Fi returned the squeeze. “I have as well.”
“You really are perfect for Hawk, you know. Jerry says he’s never seen his brother so content.”
Faced with Effie’s boundless goodwill, Fi couldn’t keep up the pretense any longer.
“I am far from perfect. In fact,” she said with a sigh, “Hawk and I are in the middle of a row.”
“Welcome to married life, my dear.” Effie lifted her brows. “May I ask who started it?”
