Page 62 of A Virgin to Trap the Earl of Thornhill
He eased up on his elbow and gazed down at her. His emerald eyes were hooded, and a smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Are you disappointed?”
She lifted her head and gave him a swift kiss on his jaw. “Not at all. It was wonderful. I can’t wait to do it again.”
William chuckled. “In a moment, my love.” He traced her jaw with his finger. “You are so beautiful.”
Eris nuzzled her head into the crook of William’s shoulder, her skin still tingling from their shared passion. His chest rose and fell gently beneath her, his heartbeat a soothing rhythm against her ear.
“You flatter me, My Lord,” she murmured with a soft laugh, her fingers tracing absent circles on his chest. The lamplight bathed their bodies in a warm, golden glow, lending a peaceful atmosphere to the room.
“It’s the truth,” William replied, his voice low and full of affection. He turned his head to press a kiss into her hair, his fingers twining with hers. “You are beautiful, Eris. Not just in the way you look but in the way you are. You’re kind, brave, and strong. And you love with all your heart.”
Eris felt her cheeks heat up at his words. “And you, My Lord, are quite the charmer,” she countered playfully, lifting her head to meet his gaze. His eyes were warm, his love for her evident in their depths.
“And in love with my wife,” William added, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. His eyes held hers, the intensity of his gaze making her breath catch. “You, Eris, have captured my heart completely.”
Emotion welled up inside Eris, her heart pounding with the depth of her love for this man. “And you, William,” she whispered, leaning up to press her lips against his, “have captured mine.”
They shared a sweet, lingering kiss, their bodies tangled together under the covers. As they pulled apart, they lay there in contented silence, their hearts beating in sync, their breaths mingling.
This was their first night as a married couple, their first night of many. As they lay there, basking in the afterglow of their love, they made a silent vow to cherish each other, to nurture their love, and to face whatever life threw at them together. And as Eris closed her eyes, falling into a peaceful slumber in her husband’s arms, she couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love they shared, the bond they had forged. She was truly loved, and she loved in return.
As the days turned into weeks, the euphoria of the wedding began to fade, replaced by the comforting routine of domestic life. Eris and William adjusted to married life with grace and shared delight, their bond deepening with each passing day.
One morning, as they were having breakfast in their private parlor, a messenger from the magistrate arrived with a notice. The Blackwells, Eris’ parents, were in deep trouble. The letter was succinct — they were being taken to a debtor’s prison due to the unpaid debts they had incurred over the years.
Eris felt a strange mixture of relief and guilt. They were her parents, after all, but they had also been the source of her deepest hurt. The years of manipulation and deceit couldn’t be forgotten, even as she had found happiness.
She brought the letter to William, who was reading his correspondence on the other side of the table. His expression hardened as he read, but he reached across to squeeze her hand.
“We’ll handle this together, Eris,” he said firmly. “Your parents may have caused us both much pain, but it’s important we ensure they’re treated fairly.”
Eris nodded, grateful for William’s understanding. “I have forgiven them, William,” she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. “But I can’t forget what they’ve done.”
He nodded, his eyes full of compassion. “I understand, Eris. We can ensure they serve their time, and perhaps, in that time, they can learn the error of their ways.”
She made the journey to the debtors’ prison, her heart heavy with a mix of guilt and relief, to visit her father. The visits were brief and tense, filled with uneasy silence and guarded conversation. Yet each time, she left with an unfamiliar sense of resolution as if seeing her father face the consequences of his actions helped her come to terms with her own past.
As for her mother, she had retreated to the Highlands of Scotland, seeking refuge with her elderly Aunt Pearl. Eris had sent several letters to her mother, filled with cautious words of reconciliation, but she had yet to receive a reply. The silence worried her, but she held onto the hope that time would allow her mother to reflect and mend their fractured relationship.
She found solace in the thought that her parents’ actions had led her to a different path, one where she was no longer bound by their mistakes. It was a painful freedom, but it was freedom nonetheless.
For Eris, the path to happiness wasn’t always easy. There were challenges, heartaches, and revelations, but every step, every choice, led her to where she was meant to be. And as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, the Countess of Thornhill gazing back at her, she knew she wouldn’t change a thing.
“Everything happens for a reason,” she murmured to her reflection, the words carrying the weight of her journey, “and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into two fulfilling months of wedded bliss for Eris and William. Their days were filled with joy, laughter, and love. Lily and Cassian’s relationship, too, flourished during this period. While Lily’s pregnancy continued to progress smoothly, Cassian was a doting father-to-be, ensuring Lily’s comfort at every step. This new chapter had indeed tightened the bonds of the Thornhill family, adding a layer of warmth to their collective happiness.
One late afternoon, Eris found herself in the beautiful gardens of Thornhill, relishing the serenity of her surroundings. The garden, bathed in the soft hues of the setting sun, was a sight to behold. Engrossed in a book, Eris was pleasantly surprised when the Dowager Countess, accompanied by Sir Percival Fairchild, entered the garden.
They chose a bench close to her, their bodies silhouetted against the orange glow of the evening. Their voices, hushed yet clear, reached Eris unintentionally.
“Dowager Countess,” Sir Percival began, his voice gentle and earnest, “over time, my fondness for you has grown into something more profound. I harbor feelings of love for you.”
Eris watched, eyes wide, as the Dowager Countess seemed to take a moment to absorb his declaration. When she finally spoke, her voice echoed the same kindness that she always held. “Sir Percival, I appreciate your honesty and the respect you hold for me. Yet, I am not ready to look ahead. My heart still clings to my dear, departed husband.”
Although disappointment flashed across Sir Percival’s face, he nodded, accepting her words gracefully. “Your feelings are paramount, Dowager Countess. I respect your decision.”
They rose from the bench, the Dowager Countess offering a comforting pat on Sir Percival’s arm before they retreated toward the main house.
