Page 14 of A Gentleman's Wife

“Yes, please.”

He showed her into the large and opulent dining room. The size of the room and the table indicated an intention of entertaining guests, and that thought terrified Marianne. Though she knew it was undoubtedly part of her responsibility as lady of the house, she hoped she could put it off for some time at least.

Thomas saw her to her seat and took his own at the other end of the table. Almost immediately, the servants appeared with the first course of the meal, which was revealed to be not soup but fish. Marianne’s heart warmed, seeing hers had been deboned and sliced into long elegant pieces that could be easily cut with her fork. She looked up at the servant who delivered it, and the young man gave her an encouraging smile. Pursing her lips together again, she refused to cry and simply returned the smile instead.

“Excellent,” Thomas said from the end of the table, eyeing his own fish serving with hunger. Only then did he look up and take a moment to inspect her plate before nodding in satisfaction. “Did you decide to forgo the soup course?”

Marianne swallowed. “If that is agreeable to you.”

“Most agreeable. I do not care for soup as a rule.”

She couldn’t keep from smiling as she reached for her fork and took a bite of her fish.

“How was your day of settling in?” Thomas asked. “Are you feeling more comfortable here?”

“I am. It’s a beautiful home, and the staff are so kind. Mrs. Bamber is terribly helpful.”

He did not immediately respond, seemingly invested in his meal, so Marianne went on. “How was your business today?”

This made Thomas look up and pause in his chewing. “Well enough. Though some of it has to do with you.”

Marianne’s blood ran cold. “Me?” Was there some flaw in their marriage contract? Something to do with her family? Would she have to leave this new haven?

“No need to look so frightened, or at least I hope not.” He put down his fork and crossed his fingers under his chin. “Are you feeling up to traveling?”

She blinked. “To where?”

“A day’s drive toward Hertfordshire. I know you’ve only just arrived, but one of my closest friends is getting married and has requested I be there. Or rather demanded, especially considering they weren’t able to come to my wedding due to the urgency of things, so they’ll be expecting introductions.”

“I see.” Marianne’s thoughts whirled around in her mind. The carriage journey coming to Primrose House had not been a pleasant one and had left her arm and back quite sore as a result. But if Mrs. Bamber’s encouragement had done anything today, it had given Marianne a renewed sense of confidence. She was the lady of the house and could do as she pleased. She could come to find what she enjoyed again, whatever that was, but she would also be able step into that role and fill those responsibilities, no matter what they were.

“I know this is all new for you, and I don’t wish to make you more uncomfortable.” Thomas went on, but Marianne stopped his words with a shake of her head.

“I would be happy to accompany you and meet your friends.” The words were braver than she felt, but perhaps she would have time to build her courage. “When is the day?”

“In a fortnight come Saturday. We will be gone for three days, so I will ensure your maid can plan and pack accordingly.”

“And my maid can come with us?” Marianne asked.

“Of course.”

It may have seemed like an innocent request, but even as she said the words, Marianne realized what she’d been doing. Ensuring that she would not be alone with Thomas. She was using Eliza as a protection, as a comfortable shield. Eliza had promised to never leave her, but she couldn’t depend on her for everything. Marianne would need to learn to rely on her less and become more of a self-sustaining woman. Not just with her arm, but with her epilepsy as well.

However, at the end of the dinner, Marianne forgot all about her concerns when the servant placed before her a perfectly baked custard tart.

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