Page 29 of An Arranged Marriage with a Mad Marquess
Neil bit back a smile. There wasonething he could do to make his new wife happy, at the very least, then.
There was a brief pause after that, while Cynthia drew breath for her next monologue, and Lady Emma took the opportunity to speak up.
“I hope you will consult with the physician as soon as we return home, Neil,” she said, voice low and serious.
The good mood melted away almost immediately. Cynthia closed her mouth with a snap. Patrina glanced between faces, clearly baffled at the change in atmosphere.
“I will consult him when I can, Mother,” Neil answered, choosing his words carefully. “The physician has other patients, you know.”
“None as important as you. You see, Patrina, my son’s health isextremelydelicate, as you know. Regular appointments with Mr. Blackburn are of the utmost necessity.” Lady Emma leaned forward, placing a proprietorial hand on Neil’s knee. “We cannot afford to miss appointments or become lackadaisicalwith medication and treatments. I hope that you will encourage my son to take his health seriously, Patrina.”
Patrina bit her lip. Neil opened his mouth to speak, to tell his mother that it was not fair to put her brand-new daughter-in-law on the spot in this manner, but Patrina spoke first.
“Of course, Lady Emma. Healthisimportant, but we must be careful not to cleave to old remedies and traditions, when new ones may be more effective. Neil must, of course, make the ultimate decision when it comes to his own health, but I hope he will listen to my advice, at the very least. When I have formed an opinion and have advice to give, of course,” she added, with a wry smile. “I am looking forward very much to meeting Mr. Blackburn. Will he visit today, you think?”
This was not the answer that Lady Emma had hoped for, clearly. Neil had to bite back a smile at his mother’s disconcerted expression.
“Yes, well,” she said, sniffing and leaning back in her seat. “I doubt you’ll see the man today. Hewillvisit – I have sent a note ahead to inform him of our return, and to ask him to call upon us – but you, dear Patrina, will be touring the house with Cynthia. What a pity.”
Neil’s anger flared.
What are you doing, Mother? Do you really think that by trying to exercise your authority over my wife in this way, you’ll get what you want?
He kept silent, however. Patrina smiled sweetly.
“Itisa pity. But do not worry – there is always next time. After all, I shall be living in the house the same as you.”
Lady Emma pressed her lips together. It seemed that Patrina had scored a point in conversation.
Neil glanced at his new wife out of the corner of his eye. To his surprise, he found that she was already looking at him, her expression thoughtful.
When their gazes met, she offered a brief, nervous smile, which he returned.
“I will be sure to introduce you to Mr. Blackburn, at the very least,” Neil found himself saying. “And of course I shall always be glad to hear your advice. I hope you will never feel the need to hold back from telling me the truth.”
Patrina smiled again, a tentative, genuine smile which spread across her face and lit it up. An answering warmth spread through Neil’s chest.
“That’s good,” she said softly. “I’m glad, Neil. I’m very glad to hear that.”
