Page 59 of A Gentleman's Wife

Chapter Twenty-Six

“It can no longer be avoided, then,” Marianne said with a sigh. “Lady Violet has officially invited us to dinner. Thomas received word this morning, so I must endure that woman’s insolence for a whole evening.”

Eliza chuckled and patted her arm. “You’ve already survived her once before. I can’t imagine how it could be any worse.”

“Well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” After a long pause, she asked, “And have you heard news from the doctor?”

“I have.” Eliza flushed. “He has written to say he has obtained a place to live and will return this week to formally propose.”

Marianne nodded and took a deep breath. “So you will leave me.”

The cold of winter swirled around Marianne as she clung to Eliza’s arm, the gray clouds hovering above them in the courtyard. The day matched the feelings in her heart, the confusion in her mind. She did not know what the future held, let alone what the next day would bring. And she would have to face it without her trusted friend.

“And you will be happy for me?” Eliza asked, casting her a pleading glance.

“Of course. How could I not be?” Marianne patted her hand. “I know you said you would never wish to go, and I will be sad to part with you, but there is no more noble a reason than your own pursuit of love. I cannot begrudge you that.”

Her breath appeared before her face in a puff, her nose tickling in the cold. A brief memory flashed behind her eyes of the night before, of being pulled toward Thomas across the bed, their noses touching, their breaths mingling. Her heart raced at the thought, making her shiver at the intimate moment.

“I would not leave if I thought you would be abandoned, that you would be alone or forgotten. Here in this house, it is impossible.” Eliza waved her hand at the elegant building that was Primrose House and grinned. “Not only is every member of the staff wonderful, but they’re in love with you. Would do anything you asked.”

Marianne returned her smile. “Indeed. Mrs. Bamber. Collins. Monsieur Dupont.” Every maid or manservant treated her with such kindness, and she adored every one of them. She never knew such joy could be had in being mistress of a house.

“And Mr. Ramsbury, as well.” Eliza slowed her steps and turned to Marianne.

“He would do anything I asked because he is a kind and generous man, and I am a lucky woman because of that.” Marianne said the words with a nod, as if to convince herself not to hope for more.

“No, madam.” Eliza shook her head, squeezing Marianne’s hand. “He’s in love with you too. I know it.”

A surge of both terror and delight grew in her throat, making it impossible for Marianne to swallow or breathe. “Stop, Eliza.”

“I will not. It’s the only reason I feel you will be taken care of once I am gone. Not because he cares for you as a gentleman would, but because he adores you as a husband would. He would do anything you asked because he will change his entire life to make you happy, to see you smile.”

Tears burned in Marianne’s eyes, and the view of the snow-covered countryside before her turned blurry. “You and I were to be old maids together,” she managed to say in an uneven voice.

“And now look at us. You, married to the finest man in the country, and me, on the eve of my engagement. We neither of us will be old maids, and we’re all the better for it with happy futures ahead.”

Marianne took a deep breath and let out the sigh. “I know you hope for the best, but how happy can mine be when the man I’ve married must deal with all my problems and difficulties…”

“There will be none of this self-pity.” Eliza’s voice turned stern as the maid leveled her gaze. “I don’t often speak harshly to you, but we will not go down this path again. You are a beautiful and capable woman and more worthy of love than anyone I’ve ever met. And no matter how formally it was arranged, you were blessed to end up married to a man who sees your beauties and capabilities and loves you for who you are.”

A tear slid over Marianne’s cheek, and she quickly swiped it away. “I don’t know how to believe that.”

“Let him prove it to you. He’s kissed you once before, yes?”

Marianne’s cheeks burned. “Eliza, that’s hardly…”

“Seek him out and let him make his intentions known. I know he will not leave you disappointed.”

With a pounding heart, Marianne shook her head. “I think the cold is getting to you. We should probably return to the house.”

Eliza rolled her eyes. “Very well. You don’t believe me. But I know I’m right. He will not refuse you anything you ask of him.”

Once they returned into the house, Eliza tossed her a wink before returning to her chores. Marianne took her tea in the drawing room, removing her gloves to warm her hands by the fire, hoping it would help her to shake the thoughts and feelings Eliza had brought into her mind. She couldn’t just approach her husband and ask him for a kiss. Surely it wasn’t done as easily as that. She’d thought to ask him for a reason why in his study, but in that moment, she found she hadn’t the courage. Could she dig up the courage to do as Eliza urged her? If not for curiosity’s sake, then for her own sanity. She needed to know before another day passed just what Thomas felt for her. Especially if she were to continue sleeping in his bed.

She didn’t move immediately, for her heart raced, making her body tight with nerves. When she finally stood, Marianne squared her shoulders and stared at the doors until she was finally able to take a step. Slowly making her way through the house, she took multiple calming breaths on her way to his study, but as she neared, she found she didn’t even need to knock on his door.

For she heard him instead.

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