Page 33 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“Very well,” Lady Thornton replied in a haughty voice.
Elizabeth forced her lips to part in a curved, stiff smile but when she raised her head, she saw Lady Thornton’s retreating form, her back straight. Elizabeth let out the breath she did not realize she was holding. Disconcerted, she sat under the tree and pulled her knees up and hugged them. She buried her head in the folds of her dress. She felt the screams of frustration in the back of her throat.How could their first meeting have gone so wrong?
As far as she remembered, Alexander said his mother would not return from her trip in a hurry, yet clearly, she had. He thought Elizabeth would have time to settle in as countess before his mother returned, but they had not been afforded that opportunity. In a fleeting, disturbing thought she wondered what Lady Thornton would say to her son. Elizabeth knew she and Alexander had just found some warmth and enjoyment in her relationship. She was enjoying his company and she did not wish to revisit the tension-filled days they had in Scotland. She decided to return to the manor for there was no point in remaining by the stream. Her thoughts were so disturbed that she would no longer be able to enjoy drawing.
Elizabeth stood and called her pets to her side and she walked toward the house. Teague and Princess rolled around in the meadow but she did not feel their joy. She felt a heightened sense of tension the closer she got to the manor. She returned her satchel to the drawing room then went to her bedchamber to wash up before she went in search of Alexander. Elizabeth knocked on the library door.
“Come in,” Alexander replied and Elizabeth entered.
“There you are, my darling,” Alexander stood from behind his desk to greet her.
Elizabeth noticed Lady Thornton was sitting in the armchair facing Alexander. He walked around the desk, placed a hand on her shoulder, and planted a kiss on her forehead.
“Mama tells me you have already met.”
Elizabeth cast Lady Thornton a quick glance. “We have indeed.”
“Very well. I have asked Mama to remain with us for dinner and she has agreed.”
Elizabeth forced her sunniest smile. “Wonderful.”
“Shall we?” Alexander motioned toward the door and his mother stood up and ambled toward it.
Elizabeth had just started to follow when she felt a tap on her derriere. Her head jerked around to glance at Alexander and he gave her a wicked grin. Elizabeth’s heart turned over in response and she went warm all over. As they descended the stairs, she could not help but think about their lovemaking this morning. She was looking forward to being with him that night. The prolonged anticipation through dinner would be almost unbearable.
They entered the dining room and Alexander seated his mother and Elizabeth before he took his place at the head of the table. Elizabeth had decided not to mention the disagreement with Lady Thornton for she was sure Alexander wished to cultivate a sense of family at this meal, agreeable and unified.
The room was filled with a rich savory scent when the footmen appeared with raw oysters and vegetable soup. The food was accompanied by pleasant conversation mainly on politics and current affairs. The footmen soon appeared with salmon, filets of beef and veal, boiled ham, and a roasted leg of lamb accompanied by potatoes and vegetables. Lady Thornton appeared to be enjoying her meal as much as they were. After dinner they were to retire to the drawing room.
“I am afraid I am quite worn out from my journey today so I shall retire. Good night,” Lady Thornton said excusing herself.
Alexander kissed her on both cheeks. “Rest well, mama.”
“I bid you good night,” Elizabeth said with infused warmth.
Once they were alone Elizabeth decided to broach the subject with Alexander. She did not think it would bode well in their marriage for her to keep such things from him.
“Alexander, I did not know you were expecting your mother today,” Elizabeth said as she accepted a glass of wine.
Alexander poured himself a glass. “I was not expecting her, Elizabeth. I was just as surprised.”
“I see. I do not know if she mentioned it but she came to find me by the stream while I was drawing.”
Alexander arched a brow. “She did? She did not say.”
“I found the conversation a bit strained and it was not the start that I had hoped for,” Elizabeth chose her words carefully.
“Strained? How so?” Alexander’s brows furrowed.
“I believe upon your return you stated that your mother had accepted our marriage.”
“That is so.”
“Well, she made it a point of mentioning that I’ve caused a scandal and I was taking part in the same activity that led to it.” Elizabeth took a sip of wine and peered over the rim of her glass.
Alexander set his glass down, “Are you sure you understood her correctly?”
Elizabeth stilled. “Do you doubt me?”
