Page 74 of Suddenly a Bride
She felt Edmund’s hand settle on her shoulder. She was able to watch her sisters turn as one and stare up at him with wide eyes and open mouths. Remembering how dark and frightening he’d appeared to her at first, she gave them all a reassuring smile and patted her husband’s hand.
“Edmund, meet my family, especially my parents, Chester and Alyce Hall. Papa, Mama, this is my husband, Sir Edmund Blackwell.”
Her mother, whose head was still at the window, smiled politely. “Good day, Sir Edmund.”
Her father sat on the rear bench, though he could still lean out the door. “Sir Edmund, good to meet you. I am glad my daughter looks well.”
Gwyneth laughed and leaned back against her husband, then glanced up at him. He wore a small smile, and perhaps only she could tell that he seemed almost…nervous. She was rather touched by that.
“He has taken good care of me, Papa. Now let him help you.”
She stepped aside and watched her very tall husband put his hands inside the coach to steady her father. Papa took hold of his arms and managed to reach the ground easily. She’d once thought her father the tallest man in the world, but Edmund rose many inches above him.
“Edmund, allow me to introduce everyone to you.”
He glanced up at the overcast sky, and only then did she realize that the mist was starting to soak through to her skin.
“Let us step inside first,” he said, offering his arm to her mother.
She’d always known he had the manners of a nobleman, Gwyneth thought with delight as she watched her mother smile and walk at his side. Her father must have noticed Edmund’s limp, but he said nothing. She held his arm and moved more slowly to accommodate his hesitant pace.
“How are you feeling, Papa?” she asked softly.
“Better now that I’ve seen your face. This is lovely countryside you live in, though the castle seems a bit…in need of work.”
She laughed. “And Edmund is doing it. Wait until I show you all the things he’s done.”
He stopped and studied her. “I admit that you were often in my thoughts, but you look content, Gwyneth.”
She squeezed his arm and leaned against his shoulder. “I am, Papa. He is a wonderful man.”
“Then he has grown to love you?”
Her smile faltered. “I don’t know. I can only hope so.”
~oOo~
With the rain beginning to come down harder, Edmund knew he could not spend any time that morning with Gwyneth’s family. He left them to their tours of the castle and his wife’s pleasure in settling them in the rooms she’d prepared. When he returned that evening for supper, the frantic pace of their arrival had settled into what he could see was the relaxed routine of people who knew and loved each other well.
He had supper surrounded by Gwyneth’s family, and he found that conversation wasn’t really required of him. They had so many questions about what her life was like and he enjoyed listening to her responses. He had dreaded their arrival these past few weeks but found they were not the kind of people who sat in judgment. Gwyneth’s happiness seemed enough for them, and he wasn’t quite sure how he’d earned the approving glances they gave him.
Her sisters were as lively as she was. Caroline had pale blond hair and even paler skin, suggesting that she was not always as healthy as she appeared now. Hadn’t Gwyneth praised her sewing skills? Lydia, the youngest, still had the energy of childhood, and he often caught her staring at him. He stared right back, and she only raised her eyebrows before looking away. He had the feeling she wanted to stick out her tongue, but considered herself too old for that. Athelina, the middle sister, seemed as though she could easily disappear between the winter beauty of Caroline and the inquisitive vibrancy of Lydia. She had the air of a prim spinster—and hadn’t Gwyneth thought she’d make a good teacher?
Lady Hall was plump and practical, ever watchful of her daughters—and the servants too. This was the woman who’d taught Gwyneth everything she knew and now seemed to be quietly rejoicing. He could only imagine how worried she must have been when Gwyneth had to leave them all for the harsh north and a stranger for a bridegroom.
Edmund did not mistake Sir Chester’s frailty for weakness. He questioned Edmund about Castle Wintering’s holdings and how far along they were with the harvest until Gwyneth, embarrassed by her father’s directness, changed the topic of conversation. But Edmund found himself glancing at Sir Chester throughout the evening. There was a peacefulness about the man that was enviable. Edmund tried to tell himself that Sir Chester’s contentment was because Edmund had now taken on the burden of the Hall family, but deep down he sensed that love had always been enough for them.
When the four sisters retreated to benches before the fire, Edmund decided to let the newcomers hear about Gwyneth’s adventures in private. He said good night to everyone and then went out to the stables. He wasn’t at all tired but needed some distraction. He had meant to go to his wife’s bed and had spent the day imagining the ways they’d pleasure each other. But this night she would be preoccupied with her family. He could tell that her sisters were her closest friends, and they all had much to talk about.
He curried The General for a long time, then fed and watered him. He leaned his shoulder against the door frame and looked up at the castle, watching as lights went out in the many windows.
He’d never be able to sleep, but he might as well try.
In the great hall, a few servants lingered after they’d finished cleaning, talking in small groups. Edmund still found himself amazed at the smiles he now received, all since Gwyneth had come. She’d changed how everyone thought of him.
The servants’ wing was lit by torches now that so many rooms were occupied. His own chamber was the last, and he approached it wearily. He pushed the door open, then stopped in astonishment.
Gwyneth was sitting in his tub before the hearth, her damp hair piled up on her head, one foot raised as she washed it. The drip of water off her fingers filled the silence.
