“There’s time enough for that.” He left the window and approached me. “What you’ve done for the war effort is admirable, especially after the raid. You made me very proud.”
I didn’t like the way he was looking at me. His gaze was filled with something akin to awe.
“News of your heroinism reached Mr. Asquith’s ears in London. The raid is all anyone could talk about, but your name was mentioned just as often. Everyone marveled at how the Marchioness of Cumberland opened her estate to the wounded and homeless. You brought pride to my family name, and for that, I am grateful. Mrs. Asquith was impressed with your efforts, as well, and sends all her love.”
I didn’t like this side of Reggie. It was easier to dislike him—resent him—when I thought of him as cold and unfeeling. His public demeanor was so snobbish and aloof that I had assumed his private behavior would be the same. Certainly, his treatment of me on our wedding night and his avoidance of me for the rest of the trip had proven it to be true.
“Do you not like when I compliment you?” He moved a little closer, and I realized I was stuck between the wingback chair and the corner, but this was the first time I had not smelled alcohol on his breath. “Your cheeks are pink, and you look decidedly uncomfortable.”
I also felt trapped. “Luncheon is being served. I imagine you’re hungry after your journey from London.” I tried to move past him, but he did not step back.
“Anna, I cannot recall the last time I apologized to someone for my poor behavior.”
I stopped and stared at him, my cheeks becoming warmer by the second.
“But I owe you an apology for—” He cleared his throat and looked down. “Well, I think you know what I’m referring to.I drank too much that night, though that is no excuse. I am afraid it has caused a rift between us that I would like to repair, if I may.”
I closed my eyes, wishing he had not brought up this topic. Mortification filled every inch of my being. I had been trying—and succeeding—at putting it from my mind. “Please,” I begged him on a whisper, “do not speak of it.”
“I only long for you to know that I deeply regret my actions and hope we can put it behind us.”
I finally pushed past him. “Consider it behind us.” I walked to the door. “If you’ll excuse me, there are things I must attend to.”
“Of course.” He nodded. “I do hope you’ll speak to Mrs. Chadburn about finding a Christmas tree and having a bit of decorations put about the place. I confess, I have been yearning for the Christmases of my youth. Have you arranged for a Christmas feast?”
“I have.”
“Wonderful.” He smiled. “I look forward to enjoying supper with you tonight. It will be a treat to be in your company.”
I turned the doorknob and fled the library, my legs shaking.
I did not like this side of Reggie in the least.
That evening would be my first formal meal at Cumberland Hall. While Edith helped me dress, she informed me that Reggie had requested I join him for supper in the library because the dining room was occupied by our remaining patients.
I wanted to feign illness and remain in my room, but I was afraid he would come looking for me. A neutral location would be an easier place to avoid an intimate encounter.
At the appointed hour, I said a prayer and pushed open the library door.
It was dark outside, but the library was illuminated by gas wall sconces. A small table had been set before the crackling fireplace with a candelabra in the center and fresh-cut flowers from the conservatory. Their perfume was pungent and immediately made my head start to pound.
Reggie stood near the fireplace in his black tuxedo. He looked dapper and very much the lord of his dominion. One hand rested on the mantel while the other held a glass of amber liquid. I hoped he hadn’t been drinking for long.
“Ah, Anna.” He turned and gave me his full attention, taking in my attire from head to foot and then back up again. A pleased expression settled upon his features. “You look stunning.”
His praise warmed my cheeks, but not in a good way. I did not wish to increase his ardor. I had chosen a modest evening gown of heather grey and paired it with long white gloves. Edith had insisted on putting a silver tiara on my head, and I had allowed her simply because she took such pleasure in adorning me and hadn’t had any reason to for the past five months.
He waited for my response. Not wanting to be rude, I said, “Thank you.”
After he set his glass on the table, he pulled out one of the chairs for me. It scraped against the wood floor, further grating on my headache. I took my seat and felt him brush my shoulders in a feather-light touch. It sent a shiver down my spine, recalling his touch on our wedding night. My stomach turned, and I lost what little appetite I had.
Mr. Wentworth chose that moment to enter with a rattling cart and one of the maids. I could tell by the look on his face that he was not pleased with the maid.
“Apologies, milord,” he said to Reggie, “but we are without footmen at present, and I am forced to allow this maid to assist me with your meal.”
“It’s quite all right, Wentworth,” Reggie said with a consoling smile. “We must all sacrifice for the war.”
I smiled at Mr. Wentworth, as well, thinking of the sacrifices we had already made while turning Cumberland Hall into a hospital. Going without a footman paled in comparison.
