Are we to sup quietly every night for the rest of our lives––sitting side by side?
“Would you like the carrots?”
Verity’s sudden voice made him jerk. It might not have been a noticeable move had his silverware not clanged noisily against the porcelain table. He froze while she glanced down at his hands. They steadied as he decided not to mention his little jump.
“Yes, certainly. Thank you.” He accepted the tray, considered them, and then set them down.
He didn’t realize she was still watching. “Aren’t you going to eat any?”
“No. I don’t eat carrots.”
“Then why did you accept them?”
Dominic felt like he was a young man all over again, being taught in the schoolroom. Being told he had done something wrong. “It was polite, was it not?” He forced out.
“Certainly, but you’re allowed to decline if you don’t care to eat them. I should have guessed when I didn’t see them on the menu. I had them added this morning,” Verity explained before pausing a long moment. “Is there anything else you don’t like? Or, perhaps, does the household have a list that I haven’t been informed about?”
“There should be one in the housekeeper’s office. But should you like something on the menu, you’re welcome to include it for yourself.”
She dropped her utensils suddenly. Staring, Dominic was merely relieved that he didn’t jump. He frowned at her in concern to see her brow furrowed.
“Verity, is something amiss?”
“I’m concerned everything is amiss. I don’t know how I didn’t think about it, and how you didn’t mention anything. While this marriage may not be the union we ever intended, I should think we can come together to… to create something satisfactory for the two of us. Wouldn’t you agree?”
Impressed that Verity was already speaking up for what she desired, Dominic had to wonder what this might mean for their future.
He nodded slowly. “Indeed, I believe that would be wise. What would you find satisfactory?”
“Communication, comfort, and security. I want to know what is happening in this house and with you. I want us to be truthful with one another, and I don’t want to be left wondering what is going on. I like answers.”
“I can imagine. Is this what you might call communication?”
Her lips twitched. “Yes. Not the silence from before, that was too strange for my liking. If we don’t have anything to say, well, that would be quite different. But I think we have a lot to sort out.”
“There is much to learn. Fortunately, we have a lifetime ahead of us. What answers are you looking for?”
“Everything and anything, I suppose. There’s not much I know about you.”
“I’m afraid I have yet to write my autobiography. You may review it once it’s finished,” he remarked dryly.
A slight smile finally escaped her lips. “Will it be long?”
“Long enough to see you through your breakfast but not a proper supper. What of yours?”
“A full chapter would take you two suppers,” she said, lifting her chin. He noted how the candlelight made her eyes sparkle. Gold and green brightened before him. He forgot about his food. “Perhaps we can consider the essentials tonight. What do you expect in marriage?”
“Company, such as this evening. Most suppers together and a few social functions. Household management support and entertaining duties, anything else one might conventionally expect,” he listed off.
Verity hesitated only a second before diving further, “Do you expect me to be silent?”
“I don’t think it would be fair to expect anyone to be silent. You have a voice, and I should like to hear your opinions. If you want to share them.”
“Oh, I will want to share them. What sort of demands do you have of your wife?”
He nodded to let the food course switch out. As the two maids moved the food around, Dominic took a moment to consider the question. He’d already noted his expectations. Was there anything to be clear about?
“I would like your support and your friendship. I don’t appreciate disruption to my routine, but I can learn to adjust should you find any needed changes. If there is anything you need, I would rather you ask than make any assumptions. Do you expect any demands to be made of you?”
