Page 22 of A Gentleman's Wife

“And I am not always so fragile. It seems I’m sometimes caught off guard by your kindness, like a comment on penmanship.” Her voice quivered as she went on, and she shook her head as she brought the handkerchief to her eyeline again. “The good people in my life have been very few… mostly Eliza, and my doctor from home. I’m just not accustomed to such compliments, but they are appreciated.”

Then Marianne held out the handkerchief to return it to him. “Though I don’t want you thinking I’m not equipped for the task of running this home because of it. I’ve already learned a great deal, and Mrs. Bamber has helped me to feel confident in my abilities, so I don’t wish to be coddled.”

Thomas reached out for the handkerchief, but as he accepted it, he took hold of her hand, keeping her there before him.

“I don’t intend to coddle you,” Thomas said, voice soft and low in his throat. “It is evident there is a great deal of strength and bravery in you, though how it’s been instilled is unfathomable to me. No person should ever doubt the love and care of their own family. But I hope you know that you don’t have to be strong all the time. You can set down your shield and armor here. You are safe and welcomed, and I’ll see to it that you’re appreciated as best I can.” He’d included those final words assuming his heart was still occupied by his past lost love, but as he searched his recent memory, he was pleasantly surprised to realize Lady Finley had not occupied his thoughts for some time.

Gone was Marianne’s façade; when her shoulders relaxed, her lips curled into a true smile, and it put Thomas at ease enough to release her hand, taking the handkerchief. Then he reached behind himself and picked up her paper from the desk. “This is an excellent plan, and I have no suggestions or revisions for you. I have no doubt in your capabilities to see it through, so please proceed and know I’m always available to you if you need any assistance at all.”

She accepted the paper with a nod, and then swept out of the room, leaving Thomas more emotionally wrung out than he’d been in days. When he settled into his chair again, he rested his chin on his fist, thoughts swirling in tandem with the storm outside.

Collins cleared his throat in the doorway, holding a silver platter before him. “The post for you, sir.”

“Thank you, Collins.” Thomas waved him in. “Would you send in Miss Eliza when she can spare a moment? I’d like to ask her about the direction of a specific doctor.”

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