And it was a change that Margaret so desperately needed.
CHAPTER 25
Nathaniel felt much lighter as he moved through the narrow hall of Eliza's home.
The house smelled faintly of lavender and warm bread. Someone had recently opened the windows. When he reached the sitting room door, he paused briefly before knocking.
“Come in.”
Eliza sat near the window, sunlight falling across the embroidery hoop in her hands. She looked up the moment he entered, and the relief on her face appeared before she could hide it.
“Nathaniel.”
He crossed the room and took her hands gently before she could rise.
“You should remain seated.”
“I am not fragile.”
“You are recovering from your exhaustion.”
“As are you, it would seem,” she noted as she looked at him.
It was true. Since he had spoken with Margaret, he had felt much better about himself, as well as his marriage. Of course, she did not yet know where he was, but in the grand scheme of things that did not seem to matter as much.
She gave him a small smile and set the embroidery aside. Time had softened some of the strain she had carried when he first brought her here, though the months had not been easy.
He took the chair opposite her.
“How have you been feeling?”
“Better,” she said. “The physician was here again yesterday.”
“And?”
“He is satisfied.”
Nathaniel inclined his head slightly.
“Good.”
A brief silence settled between them. Outside, a breeze stirred the branches near the window.
“I hear London is still speaking of you,” Eliza said.
“London always speaks.”
“And of your wife.”
He did not immediately respond.
“I hope you have not frightened her away already,” she added lightly.
“She remains.”
“That sounds like praise.”
“It is. In fact, I can tell you that we are much happier now.”
