Page 25 of The Captain's Midwinter Bride
Before he could contain himself, Phillip burst out laughing. “I’m relieved to hear it, my dear.”
Easing himself off of her, he reached for a drying cloth from the basin and cleaned her. When he was done, he hesitated, unsure if she wanted his company now that their lovemaking was over.
Annalise must have sensed his uncertainty, for she grabbed him by the hand and squeezed his fingers.
Without a word, he crawled back onto the bed and pulled the covers over them before gathering her close. Phillip smiled when she hummed in the back of her throat as she lay her cheek on his shoulder. They lay in silence, and he felt all the tension still remaining after that satisfying bout of sex ease from his body like water through a sieve.
It occurred to Phillip that for the first time in their married life, it actually felt as if they were truly husband and wife. It was a novel thought, and a rare grin overtook his face.
Phillip had no idea how he would depart for Wales and be able to leave Annalise behind.
Chapter Seven
Annalise sat at her vanity the following morning, applying a touch of almond oil to the skin under her eyes, which were dark and slightly puffy after a sleepless night of repeated bouts of lovemaking. Beth entered her chamber, and from the reflection in the mirror, Annalise could see the girl’s face was drawn and her eyes bloodshot.
“Whatever is the matter, dearest?” she said, turning about and grasping her daughter’s hands.
“Mother, I do not know what to do.” Beth hiccupped, a testament to her agitation. “After thinking about the situation for the last two days, I had finally decided to call off the wedding with Silas. But then this letter was delivered.”
She held out a folded scrap of parchment with trembling hands. Annalise searched her daughter’s face for any sign of the letter’s content, but Beth’s facade showcased only doubt and despair.
Unfolding the paper, Annalise read.
My dear Miss Dalton,
It grieves me more than you know to have been bereft of your sunny smile the last few days. Whilst I know you are busy with wedding details and reacquainting yourself with your long-absent father, I do hope you will set aside time to spend with me, your dutiful, neglected future husband. Perhaps you would be free for a ride in my barouche tomorrow at two in the afternoon? Unless I receive a letter in objection, I will arrive at your home to escort you. Never fear, my mother will serve as chaperone. As always, she is mindful of your reputation.
Until tomorrow, my dearest.
Yours most affectionately,
Silas Newell
Annalise felt nauseated simply holding the letter. Whatever made her think such an ingratiating man was worthy to marry her daughter?
Tossing the paper onto the vanity, she met Beth’s gaze in the mirror. “First, it was quite inappropriate for Mr. Newell to write you. You’re not married yet. Second, what part of that letter has you in tears?”
Beth raised her shoulders, her face twisted in confusion. And perhaps exasperation. “He was so kind in it. He missed me. Perhaps I’ve misjudged him.”
I've taught her this, Annalise thought. Beth had followed her example of giving everyone, including her often absent husband, the benefit of the doubt. She still considered it an admirable quality…until it led to willful ignorance.
Annalise pinned her with a stern look. “And the next time he is disrespectful to you? Or Mrs. Newell is, and Mr. Newell does nothing to defend you? What will you think then?”
“I—I…” Beth shook her head. “I don’t know.”
Rising to her feet, Annalise led her daughter to the bed, where she encouraged the girl to sit next to her.
“Mr. Newell’s solicitousness now does not erase the things he did or did not do before. It doesn’t absolve him of the very great sin of saying nothing when his mother insulted you. How do we know he doesn’t agree with her?” She paused, tucking an errant curl behind Beth’s ear. “How do we know he is not marrying you simply because you’re quite pretty and are in possession of a tidy fortune?”
Beth gasped. “Silas would never be that mercenary!”
Annalise scoffed. “Has he disavowed his mother’s claims?”
Dropping her chin to her chest, Beth shook her head.
“And he has not apologized for his past behavior, merely throwing pretty words your way.” Squeezing her fingers, Annalise whispered, “Have you confronted him about it?”
Beth held her silence, which was answer itself.
