Page 380 of From Rakes to Riches

“The wedding night was fine,” Victoria said. “I asked Lord Thurlow for more time to get to know him. He agreed.”

Louisa drew her breath in sharply. “You mean he didn’t—you both didn’t?—”

“That’s what she means,” Meriel interrupted. “Not quite a true wife yet. Why would a man agree to such a thing?”

Louisa took Victoria’s hand. “Meriel, I’ve never known you to be so cynical. Victoria’s husband is treating her with kindness. What has happened to you since you left us?”

Meriel shook her head, looking toward the pond with a distracted expression. “You’re right, I’m sorry. It is easier to see the worst in people, I guess.”

Victoria’s worry made her soften her voice. “Is it so terrible being a governess at the Ramsgate estate, Meriel?”

“No, no, really, it is tolerable. I am just not used to feeling so…helpless, so inconsequential.”

“It is not inconsequential to see to the education of a young boy,” Louisa said. “Your calling is a noble one.”

Meriel looked at her in shock, then began to laugh. “Oh, Louisa, how I’ve missed your optimism. You’re right, I have to remember who I’m really helping.” She turned to Victoria and took both her hands. “Forgive my pessimism, my dear. Your husband is being kind to you, which I’m certain is quite rare. He sounds like an honorable man.”

David enteredthe dining room for dinner and found his wife waiting for him. She nodded graciously and he gave her a short bow. Because of her—and her housekeeper—not a single complaint had greeted him when he’d walked through the front door. It was a refreshing, welcome change. One day married, and already things were running smoothly.

Things within the household anyway, he thought with a sigh.

As he seated himself at the head of the table, he found himself studying her now that she was wearing something other than black. Though he would have thought that color improved her complexion, she seemed pale. Had she already had an encounter with his father?

The ever-present notebook remained near her right hand, and he almost wanted to know why she felt it necessary to haveit with her everywhere. But that personal a question could lead down paths he didn’t want to go.

Victoria thanked the footman serving them, and the servant retreated to stand near the wall.

“That is a newly purchased gown you’re wearing,” David said.

“Yes, my lord.”

“Surely you didn’t have enough time to purchase a satisfactory amount of gowns.”

Her polite expression faded. A compliment would have been the wiser choice.

“Not that it isn’t a lovely gown on you, Victoria,” he said.

“Thank you, my lord.”

Of course she would realize that his praise was an afterthought. But thinking about her wardrobe made him realize that she would need to shop for more soon. The gown she wore today was suitable for his business acquaintances, but what if on her own—and with more money to spend—she chose garments that would make the directors’ wives feel inferior?

“Victoria, tomorrow I am free after mid-morning. I shall accompany you to the dressmaker’s.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Surely that is too much trouble.”

“No, I insist. It would give us the opportunity to be together.”

At a dressmaker’s shop? That excuse couldn’t possibly make sense to her, but she only nodded her assent.

“My lord, your generosity is overwhelming,” she said quietly.

“Generosity? But you’re my wife. I promised you a wardrobe, and you shall have it. I hope you won’t mind not having anything new for Bannaster’s dinner.”

She stopped eating. “Bannaster’s dinner? Do we have an engagement?”

“Tomorrow evening.”

“I heard about it at the Hutton luncheon, though not the exact date. If you don’t mind, my lord, I’d like as much notice as possible when you’ve accepted an invitation.”

---