Page 26 of A Gentleman's Wife

Chapter Thirteen

Thomas sat at the breakfast table, a plate full of food before him, but his mind ran wild with distraction. Holding his chin in his hand, he thought back to the day before and the tender moment he’d shared with his wife. It felt powerful and significant. If she hadn’t before, Marianne was beginning to trust him, and that meant so much to him. Though he wasn’t sure if he’d overstepped his bounds by inviting Mr. Sanders, her immediate excitement eased his fears.

However, Thomas found himself lingering on the moment he’d kissed her withered hand. He didn’t know what had come over him. It certainly hadn’t been his original intent, but when she’d revealed her hand to him, he had seen the fear and hesitation in her eyes, and more than anything, he wanted to relieve her of that.

He wanted to take care of her in every regard. Hearing her talk about her past incidents and how her family had treated her nearly broke his heart. If all he could do was provide a home void of neglect and censure, he knew she would be happy, but he wanted to do more. He wanted her to thrive in a way she hadn’t been permitted before.

The doors to the breakfast room opened, and Marianne appeared. She wore a white morning dress with a pink ribbon about her waist, which complemented her dark hair, creamy skin, and pale eyes.

Thomas rushed to stand and bow in greeting. “Good morning. How did you sleep?”

“Very well, thank you.” A servant nearby saw her seated before Thomas could, so he moved to start filling her plate instead.

He couldn’t tell why he was suddenly nervous to be in her presence. She seemed happy enough, not as if she desired to flee from him because he’d taken liberties with kissing her hand. And for once, an easy smile sat on her lips when he presented her the plate. “Thank you.”

Returning to his seat, Thomas wondered how to lead the conversation. He had so many lingering questions after their discussion in the garden, but he didn’t want to overwhelm her. Though that didn’t stop him, because the more he knew about her, the more he wanted to know.

“Was the doctor’s visit a pleasant surprise?” Thomas asked.

“The very best.” Marianne’s countenance beamed. It was most definitely a good choice. “It’s nice to have another familiar face around. I’ve come to feel quite comfortable here at Primrose House, but I’ll be sad when he’s gone again.”

“He’s welcome to stay as long as he’d like. In fact, I’d like to get his professional opinion on a few things.”

Marianne looked up from her plate. “What kind of things?”

“Firstly, and most importantly, I don’t know how frequently you had medical visits before, but as it’s been nearly six weeks since our wedding. Even if you are feeling well enough, would you say it’s about time for him to check in on you again?”

She nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”

Thomas paused, choosing his next words carefully. “And I want you to know how grateful I am for what you confided in me yesterday. I am honored to have your trust and I promise it is not ill-placed.”

Her cheeks turned a lovely pink, the same color as the sash about her waist, and she ducked her head.

“But I would like to speak with him about what your restrictions actually are. To define which are his medical recommendations and which were more out of negligence.”

Marianne met his gaze. “How do you mean?”

“You spoke of your father forbidding you from riding horses and keeping you indoors, and you’ll not have any such restrictions here, unless the doctor suggests otherwise. I trust you to know your own body and mind, more than I would. So long as you take Eliza in case the worst should happen, you are free to do as you please.”

She swallowed her bite before speaking. “I can go riding again?” she asked in a small voice.

And suddenly it occurred to him she might not desire it. “With the doctor’s permission. And only if you wish to. Taking a spill off a horse is no small thing, but I have no qualms with you taking advantage of the stables on the estate and the vast countryside. Especially when, as mentioned before, we might not have many more warm days before winter.”

She considered his words for a long time, but eventually she said, “I think I would like to. Or, to try at least once. It gives me heart palpitations to think of it.” She pressed a hand to her chest, but she wore a hopeful smile. “I did love riding before, so I would like to try again. Though perhaps not alone.” She lifted her gaze to his. “Would you be able to come with me?”

Relief filled his chest. “I would be delighted.”

Marianne sat a little taller and returned his smile.

“And what more, if there’s anything else you feel you’ve not been permitted to enjoy in some time, I want you to explore to your heart’s content.”

Taking another bite of her breakfast, she paused thoughtfully. “I thoroughly enjoy music and dancing, though it’s hard to participate in them as I am.”

“How so?” Thomas asked, moving aside his plate and leaning his elbows on the table to listen intently. If he was hungry, he’d forgotten about it long ago.

“I can’t play the piano much, of course, but I do love singing and dancing. I never sang in public, to avoid drawing attention to myself. And I was taught to dance when I was young, but at any outing or assembly since my introduction to society, my parents insisted I sit out, telling others I was too unwell to participate. It was hard for them to tell if someone would be offended by my inability to clasp hands correctly or if the way my arm sits naturally would be too distracting.”

Thomas took a sip of his tea to calm the anger simmering in his chest. How dare they dampen this woman’s passions when already they’d limited her to almost nothing! Letting out a tight breath, Thomas said, “Well, seeing as how we are to be hosting a ball, I believe dancing will be in order. And as my bride, it is customary for you to lead the first set.”

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