Page 56 of A Gentleman's Wife

Chapter Twenty-Four

Thomas sat at the desk in his study, staring out the window though without noticing the passing of time or the dimming of the day. There were plenty of accounts and bills on his desk that required attention, but his mind was determinedly fixed on his wife, and their kiss. He knew it would be too bold, not only for their guests, but perhaps for Marianne’s sensibilities as well. And though at first, he had noble ambitions to champion his wife in the face of that venomous Lady Violet, it grew into a selfish desire. For when their lips met, she had melted against him, and consumed his every thought. They had been the only two in the room, in the whole world, just as he’d wanted. And now, the only thought occupying his mind was how to find a way for it to happen again.

A knock on the door of his study shook Thomas from his thoughts.

“The post for you, sir,” Collins announced.

Thomas nodded. “Thank you. Set it here, if you please.”

Two letters sat on the silver platter, and immediately Thomas recognized the duke’s hand. Opening that one first, he learned of news that made him smile, then he reached for the second one with another familiar script. “Would you please send in Mrs. Ramsbury when she’s available?”

Collins nodded. “Of course. At once, sir.”

Upon opening the second letter, Thomas read of more good news from Mr. Sanders. It was as he’d expected, though the words on the page still set his heart pounding for what it meant. Not just for him, but for how it would change things at Primrose House. How it would change everything.

Marianne’s quiet steps sounded in the doorway, making him look up. His chest constricted at the sight of her, the recent memory of their kiss still fresh on his lips. “You wished to see me?” she asked.

“I did.” Though he couldn’t think of a time when he wouldn’t wish to see her. “Please come in. I have two points I wish to discuss with you.”

She nodded and took a seat in the chair across from his desk. “I also have two points I’d like to discuss with you.”

That had his interest piqued, but he had to inquire first. “Have the ladies gone?” he asked, watching her carefully.

Marianne nodded. “Mrs. Hancock and Mrs. Shelton were both excellent company. Though I should be very glad if I never see Lady Violet again.”

“I’m afraid she’ll be unavoidable in the village, though I don’t think she’ll mention the incident to avoid any further embarrassment.” Thomas met her gaze. “I hope I didn’t embarrass you, as well.”

“Not at all. In fact, I’m grateful for everything you said… and did.” Her cheeks pinked as she cast her eyes to the floor. “It wasn’t necessary, but it meant a great deal to me.”

“It was my pleasure, though I believe it was necessary. If there’s anything I’ve learned from all the years I’ve spent with James among the nobility, it’s that they each feel above their own station at one point or another, and I don’t mind helping to set the record straight.”

She smiled. “And I believe you did so very well.”

“I’m glad of it.” Thomas basked in her happiness for a moment before picking up the doctor’s letter. “I wonder if you’ve had a chance to talk with Eliza recently.”

Marianne blinked. “Why, yes. It’s one of the things I wished to discuss.”

“I’ve received word from Mr. Sanders. He’s acquired a home in the area, and as soon as he returns, he intends to ask for her hand.”

She took a deep breath in but said nothing.

“Though I have no objections to their union, I didn’t want to make any decisions without talking with you first. Eliza came here with you, and I won’t deprive you of her if she’s still needed.”

Marianne nodded, looking down at her gloved hands. “I could never ask her to give up an opportunity like this for me.” Her voice was small and quiet. “Though I am nervous not to have her near, as I’ve depended on her most of my life.”

“We can certainly place an advertisement for another competent lady’s maid, someone who will be just as attentive as Eliza.” Thomas took a deep breath, heart pounding as he considered his next words. “Though I hope, as you grow more comfortable here, that you will also come to depend on your husband, as well.”

Her head snapped up, her gray eyes now a fiery blue. She held his gaze for a long moment before finally saying, “I do.”

His chest warmed to hear it. “Thank you. Then if you have no objections, when Mr. Sanders returns, he’ll make his proposal, and I’m sure we’ll find someone within the weeks of having the banns read to find a replacement.”

“I have no objections,” Marianne said. “And what of your other news?”

Thomas reached for the duke’s letter and handed it to her. “Though the duke and duchess had planned a return visit here, I believe they won’t be able to join us for some time.”

“Is she unwell?” she asked, taking the letter and reading over it immediately until her concern faded away. “She’s with child!”

“I’m glad you’re pleased.” Thomas couldn’t keep from grinning. “I had hoped you could continue your friendship with her, though perhaps we’ll be the ones to visit her instead.”

“That’s wonderful news. I should like to write her immediately to offer my congratulations and my assistance in any way.”

“I think she would like that very much.”

Marianne stood from her seat to leave, making Thomas lift his hand. “But didn’t you have another point to discuss?”

Her smile froze, her cheeks losing color as recognition flooded her features. “Oh, um… it seems I’ve forgotten out of excitement for the duchess. I… I will, of course, bring it to your attention as soon as I remember.”

Thomas didn’t believe her, but he wasn’t about to press the matter if she wasn’t ready to discuss. “Until dinner, then.”

She rushed out the door, leaving Thomas to chuckle after her.

---