Page 59 of Six Nights to Marry a Marquess

The name sounded familiar, and it took Theodore a moment before recognition hit him. It was the little tenant girl with the wooden carriage he remembered from their previous encounter. He hadn’t realized she was acquainted with his wife too.

“I brought us the carriage,” Loralei said to his wife, her voice bubbling with excitement as she whipped out the object from behind her back and showed it to her.

“Why, it’s just the right size for our journeys, Lora. I love it,” Agnes said, her eyes lighting up with delight at the thoughtful gesture.

Loralei let out a delighted squeal, thrilled by Agnes’ approval. They appeared to be well acquainted with each other. Theodore watched the interaction, a smile creeping onto his face as he observed the ease with which his wife interacted with the villagers, especially the children. It was a heartwarming scene that made him feel more connected to the people and to Agnes.

And something oddly akin to guilt washed over him as a voice in his head reminded him yet again of something else he’d stolen from this innocent young woman: the possibility of having her own children. A family and a household full of life and laughter. He’d forced her to give all that up as well.

Theodore forced his thoughts in check just as Lora looked up and met his gaze, seeming to only just notice his presence now.

“His lordship is here too,” she gasped, a small note of surprise in her voice.

“Indeed I am,” he chuckled, stepping closer and ruffling her already disheveled hair, trying to ease the moment with a bit of humor.

“I brought my carriage,” she said, holding it up to him now, her eyes sparkling with pride.

Theodore made another mental note to finish the one he was working on for her as soon as possible. “Am I invited in it on the adventures as well?” he asked, joining in the playful spirit.

“If you’ll carry our picnic basket then yes,” Lora responded, her terms set with the seriousness only a child could muster in play.

“To laughter from Agnes, who was now watching his exchange with Lora with much curiosity, he played along. “Is this basket going to be heavy?” Theodore feigned reluctance.

“Of course. We are going to fill it up with strawberry jam biscuits!” Lora cried in delight, her enthusiasm contagious.

And he heard his own laughter echo around them now, genuine and free, a rare sound that filled the air with a warmth he hadn’t realized had been missing.

The little girl was a treasure. As he watched Lora snuggle closer to Agnes, Theodore suddenly felt a desire to have somethingsimilar in his life—a little soul to brighten his and his wife’s days. This was a dangerous yearning, unexpected and confusing. And for the life of him, he couldn’t understand why he felt this way.

“Is Lora bothering you again?” A sheepish little chuckle sounded, interrupting his thoughts.

They looked up to the sight of some women approaching them. Amongst them was Lora’s mother, Mrs. Linton, he recognized with a nod of acknowledgment.

“Oh, not at all,” Agnes said warmly to Mrs. Linton. “Lora’s company is always a welcome delight,” she added, her voice sincere as Lora wound her arms around Agnes’s neck and snuggled deeper into her embrace. It was a gesture so natural, so tender, it could have been shared between mother and child.

The women chuckled at this scene, their pleasure and approval palpable in their bright smiles and gentle nods.

“We came to thank you for honoring our invitation,” the women said to them now, their tones rich with gratitude.

“It has been long since his lordship graced our festival also. And I suppose we have her ladyship to thank for that,” Mrs. Linton added, her gaze flicking between Theodore and Agnes with a knowing look.

“I came to get a ride in Lora’s carriage,” Theodore quipped, his comment lightening the mood further to laughter from his wife and the gathered women.

He went on to commend the event, expressing his admiration for the community’s efforts and the warm welcome they had extended. “This festival is a testament to the spirit of our village, and it would not have come together without all your efforts. Thank you once again for such a warm reception and for keeping these traditions alive. It’s truly heartwarming to be a part of it.”

The men bowed and the women curtsied as a jaunty tune filled the air, transforming the atmosphere with its lively beat. Lora let out a delighted gasp, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

“Would you like to dance, My Lady?” Without waiting for an answer, she hopped off Agnes's arms and began to pull her towards the source of the music. Before Agnes could even respond, a few other children joined Lora, their small hands eagerly tugging Agnes towards the dance floor.

Theodore watched with a mixture of amusement and admiration as Agnes allowed herself to be led away. It was a simple folk dance, and the children, already well acquainted with the steps, guided Agnes, who was more than willing to learn. Soon, she picked up the steps, and her movements became fluid and natural. She flowed with the rhythm, her grace and spirit merging beautifully with the dance. Something warm and tender tugged at his heart as he observed her. Agnes was always graceful, always spirited, always smiling—despite everything.

She was a woman who maintained her composure and joy no matter the situation, never once showing him discomfort or displeasure since their marriage. Watching her now, surrounded by laughing children, Theodore felt a deep yearning. He wished he could give her more—everything good, the world even. She deserved it all. He wanted to give her his heart, but felt restrained by his own fears and reservations.

As the music changed, the children crowned her with a garland of flowers, and the dancing continued with renewed vigor. The entire festival seemed to pause and watch, applauding the Marchioness and her lively entourage of children.

“My Lord?” A man cleared his throat, pulling Theodore’s attention away.

Theodore turned to the sight of his steward, Mr. Stevens, just then. The man's usually composed face bore a hint of urgency as he approached, ready to give an update on the ongoing repairs of the tenant houses.

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