“No. Willa, she has to learn her place. We had a huge fight over her country party she hosts every year because she insisted on spending money I just did not have. She hammers me about realities she chooses to ignore. However, you and I have had a good day together. Is it wrong of me to want you to myself for a while longer?”
“I don’t think so.” Willa practically glowed from the idea he had enjoyed her company. “In fact, I’m claiming two points for keeping my husband to myself for another evening.”
“Three points at least,” he complained, and she laughed, earning herself a light kiss from him on top of her head.
They did share supper with Minerva, George, and another couple who were friends of the dowager’s and of her age. George was good-natured about acting as Minerva’s escort. Matt explained that George’s own wife was not comfortable out in Society, and yet, it was important to his legal practice that he be seen.
The conversation at the table covered many topics from recent funding for the wars Britain fought on two fronts to whether or not all the fuss over Madam de Staël was sensible. Willa did not say much. Her father had refused to let her be anywhere close to Madam de Staël. She knew some of the issues before Parliament but had been taught the habit of not speaking her mind.
Every once in a while, Matt drew her into the conversation. Those moments were nerve-racking but only because few people, other than Cassandra or Leonie, had ever listened to Willa or asked her opinion. She’d been expected to be pleasant, poised, and polite. Her friends had been the bold ones.
But tonight, she felt something inside her begin to shift.
No one at the table mocked her observations. They had listened, and some had agreed.
She’d even disagreed with something Matt said. In fact, he changed his argument in favor of her thoughts.
There were few men who could do that, and she was married to one of them. The revelation was stunning. And those feeling of love grew stronger.
The company left. Before they went out the door, Minerva said, “Now, Your Grace”—Willa was starting to notice that Matt wasHis Graceto his grandmother when she wished to bully him andMatthewwhen she wheedled—“do not forget that I promised Diana Evanston you would be at her rout Saturday evening. With your duchess,” she added, a tad sourly.
Matt looked to Willa. Of course, she knew of the Evanston ball. After her wedding breakfast, it wastheinvitation to be had. She nodded, and he said to his grandmother, “I have not forgotten. My duchess and I will be there.” Willa had to stifle a smile. He liked referring to her as “my duchess” to his grandmother in particular.
And Willa found she liked him calling her his “my” anything. She moved closer to him.
Minerva and her friends went out the door. They were all taking the Camberly coach. However, George hung back.
Seeing that there was a moment of privacy, he leaned close to Matt and said, “I have done what you asked about that matter we discussed. Men have been hired.”
Matt’s manner grew serious. “Good. Thank you.”
“Are you certain you don’t wish to let this go?”
“I’m certain.”
“Be careful.” On those words, George left.
“Men have been hired for what?” Willa asked.
“Work around the estate,” he answered with an air of distraction.
Instinctively, Willa questioned what he said, and then chided herself. True, why would a lawyer be involved in hiring workers? However, was she going to become one of those women who hovered over her husband’s every word? She prayed not.
“Sherry?” Matt asked.
“Are you having anything?”
“Port.”
“Then I will enjoy a glass of sherry with you.”
The day had been long. The preceding night had been even longer, except now it was just a memory. Willa could almost pretend last night hadn’t happened.
She and Matt sipped their drinks by a fire in the private sitting room. She kept yawning and he took pity on her and led her to their bedroom, where, to her surprise, he turned her over to Annie.
The maid brushed out her heavy hair and made quick work of braiding. She carried over a nightdress for Willa.
Like all of Willa’s nightgowns, this one was of heavy material. Annie dropped it over Willa’s head and arms.
