Adrian nodded once, his expression severe, as he took his seat. He did not smile. He did not look comfortable. But that he was there meant more than words could ever say.
“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked her once their food was served. The question came from nowhere, and Ophelia started in surprise.
“Perfectly well,” she said.
“Good,” he said with a firm nod. “I worried that after yesterday you might have taken ill.”
“Worried?” She laughed gently. “I hope such worries did not keep you up at night.”
“Of course not,” he said sharply, and a little too quickly. She frowned, he grimaced, and then he softened his expression. “But I am glad to hear there were no lingering effects. Have you checked on Harriet?”
It was all Ophelia could do not to beam her gratitude, as well as her relief. That he asked about her health was one thing, butthat he wondered the same about Harriet was another entirely. He truly did care, and after last night, he was starting to see that such worries were not so bad.
“I have,” she assured him. “And she is perfectly well. She is with the wet nurse at the moment, being fed. But all signs suggest that yesterday did not faze her.”
“Good,” he said a little awkwardly. “I am… I am glad to hear it.”
She continued to study him, even as he determinedly focused on his plate of food. While his questions suggested concern, the way he behaved implied the opposite. It was clearly his way of having things both ways, wanting to make it obvious that he cared, while wanting it to look as if he did not.
“What are you planning on doing today?” she asked once she realized that he had no intention of continuing their conversation.
“Work,” he said simply.
“I thought as much…” She looked pointedly at him.
He must have felt her eyes because he looked up and started. She continued to watch him, raising an eyebrow to try and encourage the obvious.
“And yourself?” he asked finally. “What are your plans?”
“Oh.” Ophelia turned toward the window, noting the blue skies that had come early in the morning. “I think I might take Harriet into the park. After yesterday, I think we could both use it.”
Adrian said nothing, but his face suddenly took on a look that was grave.
“Is that…” Ophelia hesitated. “Is that a problem?”
Again, he said nothing. Whatever was on his mind, it was enough that he disappeared inside of himself for a few moments, fighting against something that she could not imagine. Would he deny her? Had yesterday changed his perception of what she could and could not do?
Surely, he is not going to refuse…
“I will join you,” he said suddenly.
Ophelia balked. “You will?”
“My work is not such that it cannot be put off for one day,” he said as he looked at her. His brow was set. His tone was carefully spoken. No emotion at all, as if this were a business decision. “And after what happened yesterday, I…” He bit into his lip. “Yes, I think it will be for the best. To ensure that you are both safe.”
It was a ridiculous worry to have. A walk through the park, with a chaperone, and even Adrian must have known that there would be no true danger. Not that Ophelia pointed such a thing out.
He wanted to spend time with her and Harriet; she saw that now. Just as he did not want to admit it. So, he was making excuses, whatever he needed to do, so that he could justify his decision and tell himself that it was his duty, rather than his desire.
“Yes,” Ophelia agreed, choosing to go along with his excuses. “That is for the best. One cannot be too careful.”
He nodded once and went back to his plate of food.
Ophelia said nothing, but she did not hide her smile. Slowly, but surely, they were making progress in their marriage. And if things continued this way, who knew where they might end up? All that was needed was time and for Adrian to understand that it wasn’t a bad thing to care about those in your life. All he needed was proof… a taste of what life might be… and Ophelia would do whatever she could to give it to him.
“You do not have to stay so far back, you know.” Ophelia cocked an eyebrow at Adrian, hoping he would see the humor in it.
He frowned. “I am fine.”
