Richard swung the door open with so much force that the air ruffled Margaret’s nightgown. Her hair was pinned up in curlsagainst her head, and she had a purple sash tied around her round face. Her blue eyes were rimmed with red, and the deep purple hue below indicated she hadn’t slept.
Richard’s lip twitched back a smile, and he turned his focus to Kyle, a portly man who overindulged in the finer things in life. His clean-cut hairstyle and three-piece suit portrayed him to the world as someone successful and important. But his green eyes revealed that there was a playfulness to his demeanor inviting anyone to converse with him.
“I am well; I have never felt better, in fact. Please have the kitchen make me breakfast, something traditional and hearty. I have a lot of work I need to get done today, and I am not sure if I will have time to eat lunch.” Kyle nodded and turned on his heel.
Margaret watched him leave and returned her attention to Richard. Her eyes dropped down to his bare feet and paused on the robe, her pupils dilated as she stared at his chest.
He followed her eyeline and pinched the robe closed.
“As for you, why don’t you join me for breakfast? We have much to discuss.” The corner of his mouth tucked into a smirk as his brown eyes twinkled mischievously.
Richard closed the door before she could respond and leaned his back against the wood. Adrenaline coursed through him.
How I wish I could see her stupid, perfect face right now.
“Now to get dressed,” He whispered to himself as he crossed the room around the bed and stood before the armoire. The various articles of clothing seemed confusing.
As he pulled pieces out, his past fashion expertise was activated. Soon, he was fully dressed and ready to face Margaret and start her phase of the punishment.
Downstairs, the dining room aroma was a mixture of fresh-baked goods and sizzling meat. Margaret sat at one end of the table. Her tight ringlet curls framed her stoic face. As Richard entered the room, she looked up.
“I will likely be working overnight at the office, so don’t wait up,” he said as he sat to her right. Hope filled her eyes for a moment before lowering her dejected face to her oatmeal.
A butler approached and loaded a plate of fresh fruit, a biscuit, and some bacon. He cracked the poached egg with his spoon as the full plate was placed in front of him.
“What do you have that is so important to do on the second week of our honeymoon?” Her voice was heavy with accusation.
He shrugged. “Something important came up,” he replied.
Margaret narrowed her eyes. The spoon clanged against the bowl.
“Overnight?” She crossed her arms. Her expression hardened as Richard slowly brought a bit of egg to his mouth.
“Mm-hmm.” He scooped another bite of egg, holding eye contact with her.
“What has gotten into you? First you tell me you are going to take time off to focus on us and our honeymoon, and now you are telling me you must work?”
“After yesterday, and seeing how we hurt Theresa, I have been overcome with guilt,” Richard said with malice in his voice. “I need a distraction to clear my head. I believe attending work matters will accomplish that. I expect you to spend your time today in reflections.”
Silence settled as Richard ate quickly. His pulse raced as a new surge of excitement coursed through him. Never had he been so bold as to dictate another adult’s actions.
Children, yes.They were easy to influence and instruct on preferred behavior. But to give orders to a grown person with authority was unlike anything experienced in his previous lives.
“I don’t understand. We spoke many times about this, and we were sure that guilt was the one feeling we wouldn’t feel.” Margaret matched his defensive tone. “You aren’t going to make me feel guilty for loving you.”
“I am not sayingthatis why you should feel guilty. She was your friend, just as much as you were mine for many years.” Richard crossed his arms. “You should have told her of your feelings years ago. It would have saved everyone trouble, and it would have allowed her to pursue other possible marriage options.”
“Why does that even matter? She will move on and find someone else. There are plenty of eligible men in this town.” Margaret’s voice shook, tears pooled and threatened to fall.
“You should have been the one to move on once she and I were engaged.” Richard said, calm and collected.
This is a giant game, and I’m about to demolish her with my words.
“What?” Margaret whispered. “Why would you say that?”
Richard didn’t say anything, but looked at her with no emotion in his expression.
“You told me that you found her to be ridiculous and silly, immature, and nothing compared to the class and grace that I portray in all situations!” Margaret was yelling, now hysterical. Richard remained silent. He wanted the household to think of her as unstable.
