Page 40 of Maid for the Marquess

She didn’t say anything for a moment, her gaze flitting around the room. I felt her desire to say something, and I drew a finger down her pale cheek. “Speak.”

“You will not punish me if I make you angry?”

“No. You need to stop living in the shadows of the past. No harm will come to you here. On my honor, I swear it.”

I gathered her hands, holding them tight. “You can trust me, my wife. I promise your life will be different from now on. Let go of your fear and worry.”

She blinked. “I will try.”

“I am your husband. You can discuss anything with me. I wish only to help you adjust and find your happiness.”

She simply nodded, her eyes wide in her face.

“How often did you make your father angry?” I asked.

“He was angry at me all the time. He punished me every fortnight or so.”

“Your father,” I spat, “is a monster. A fucking bastard.”

At her shocked gaze, I smiled. “I apologize for my rudeness. I realize your tender ears are not used to such vulgarities.”

She swallowed. “I have heard that and much worse, my, ah, Alexander.”

The simple joy of hearing her say my name made me smile. “I imagine you have.”

Her voice became a whisper. “There are times I uttered those words myself.”

I had to laugh at her confession. “They were well deserved.”

She offered me a smile. It was timid and tremulous, but it was there. It changed her expression, and I could see the beautiful woman under the mask she’d worn for so long.

I decided I wanted to see more of that woman. I felt as if we had turned a corner, and if I allowed her to walk away, her doubts would creep back in and she would become fearful again.

“It is a lovely day. Why don’t I ask Cook to pack a lunch, and we will walk to the woods and have a picnic. I can show you more of the estate.” Teasingly, I lifted my knee, making her bounce. “Would you enjoy a stroll with me, Maddie mine?”

Her eyes widened at my term of endearment, but she looked pleased.

“Yes.”

“Then allow me an hour. You prepare yourself, and I will instruct the kitchen to fill a basket with all varieties of delicious morsels.”

She slid from my lap. “Thank you.”

I kissed her hand. “Thank you, Maddie.”

She departed, leaving a trail of her soft scent behind.

What, I wondered, had just begun?

Something wonderful, I hoped.

I strode to the door and called for Mrs. Dougall. I instructed her to have the kitchen prepare a feast and to procure a soft blanket on which Maddie could sit outside.

When she departed, I rode the short distance to the steward’s house I had granted Edward, hoping I would find him at home. Thankfully, he was there to greet me as I rapped at his door.

“Is something amiss?” he asked, concern lacing his voice. “Is Lady Wheaton well?”

“She is,” I reassured him. “However, I need your expertise again.”