Page 57 of Maid for the Marquess

I watched, fascinated, as she tried on the pieces I had selected for her to choose from. I could tell which pieces pleased her simply by the expression on her countenance. When she was in utter delight, her lips curled up without her knowing. Her beautiful eyes brightened. When something did not suit, although she smiled, it was different.

At my behest, the jeweler brought in more pieces and, finally, she sat back.

“If I may,” she murmured, “I should love the sapphire and pearl set.”

I glanced at the tray holding the necklace with a matching set of earrings and a bracelet.

“And the ring, Maddie mine? You liked that as well.”

“If it is not too much.”

I chuckled as I slid the chosen items, plus all the other pieces I knew she loved and I preferred, toward the man waiting anxiously to find out how much I was spending.

“All these, if you please. Have them delivered to my town house. My man will attend them.”

I felt Maddie’s shock as he hurried away, pleased beyond his expectations.

“Alexander,” she protested. “It is too much. One set will do me.”

“No, it will not. I am buying you everything, Maddie. We will not take the coral or the jade, as they did not please you. But everything else is yours as my wedding gift to you.”

Her thanks was beyond enthused, both in the way she kissed me before the jeweler returned and later that day in our home.

The memories of that passion still roamed freely in my head. I had never experienced the rush of sensations I felt with my wife. How her smile brought me happiness. Her laughter made my chest lighter. Her mere presence calmed something in me I never knew was lacking. She had become more than I ever imagined another human being could be.

The feel of her hand on my arm brought me out of my musings. I shook my head to clear it, seeing her looking anxious after I spoke.

She drew herself up. “Is it bad news, Alexander? Have I done⁠—”

I shook my head, taking her hands. “Nothing. You have done nothing, my love. Do not fall back into fear with me.”

I waited as she took a deep breath, calming herself. “No. I will never fear you.”

“Good.” I regarded her fondly. “Never is good.” I leaned forward, keeping my voice low.

“I spoke with my solicitor yesterday and made some arrangements.”

“For?”

“I have established a trust for you. It will be added to annually for as long as I live.”

“Whatever for?”

“For you. Money of your own. I want you to have it. To use as you wish.”

She blinked, no doubt feeling stunned and overcome by my statement.

“Alexander,” she whispered. “You already provide for me so generously.”

I leaned closer, shaking my head. “You had years of nothing, my wife. Of being denied. I wish for you to have everything. I have the means to provide that.”

“If I have you, I have everything,” she replied, breathless.

I smiled at her words. What they implied. I prayed they meant what I hoped they did. That perhaps, she, too, was feeling the same tender feelings for me as I was for her. I had come to the realization that I was in love with my wife and was waiting for the right time to declare myself. I reached out and stroked her cheek.

“And I have everything with you. But this is for you. Use it how you wish. The money is yours. You do not need to ask permission to spend it. It is simply a gift to you from your husband. It means you will never have to ask anyone’s permission again.” I sat back, pleased. “We will discuss all the particulars when we return to Wheaton. I only wanted to tell you of it.”

Her eyes shone with unshed tears, and she grasped my hands tightly. “You are the most generous, thoughtful man,” she whispered. “I am honored to be your wife.”