Page 8 of A Gentleman's Wife

She shifted in her seat. “Whichever you prefer.”

“Then the same goes for you. You may call me Mr. Ramsbury or Thomas, or even Old Man if that suits you, though I can’t promise that my grandfather won’t also respond.”

The corners of her lips turned up, and Thomas was pleased.

“Will he be staying on with us in your home?”

Thomas shook his head. “Grandfather will return to his townhome in London tomorrow. He prefers company there and wants us to have our own home here.”

She nodded, going quiet again. Thomas watched her, wondering what had her so reserved and encased in her shell. The fingers of her left hand fidgeted around the fist of her right hand, and he could hardly keep the curiosity from his lips, though he chose his words carefully.

“Has someone hurt you?” he asked in a soft voice. When she looked up in shock, he went on. “With the injury to your hand?”

“What? No. This is a deformity I’ve had since my infancy. Please do not trouble yourself. I’ll be sure it does not interfere with my taking up any duties as mistress of your house.”

The carriage came to a stop, but Thomas did not immediately move to leave. He wanted to ensure she understood what she was walking into. “Do not fret, for I will not be an overbearing husband. You and I can work together to make sure that this life we’ve agreed to will be comfortable and agreeable for both of us.”

She nodded, and let out a small, “Thank you.”

Thomas then moved to open the door.

“Wait, please.” She leaned forward, her pale blue eyes shining. “Can I… ask one thing more?”

Thomas nodded. “Of course.”

Her face a bright red, she kept her eyes on her feet. “I understand the marital duties required of a wife, and I have no intention of denying you an heir. I only ask that… if you have no objections, that we might delay the consummation of our marriage. Allow each of us some time to become more familiar with our new situation.”

She spoke in a clipped manner, like her breath was tight in her chest, and Thomas could relate to that feeling. He imagined it would remain with him throughout the day, now married to a woman he did not love, longing for the one he did, yet knowing he shouldn’t. And though her request may have taxed her greatly, he was thankful for her bravery. For he wasn’t sure if he had it in him to take a woman to his bed, even if she was his wife, when he still wished it somehow could have been Lady Finley.

“I have no objections at all. You’ve had a vexing time traveling and are no doubt exhausted by the day’s events. We can discuss such things at another time when we’re both better prepared.”

She then met his gaze, and the corners of her lips lifted, allowing Thomas to visibly see the worry drain from her expression, the tension melting from her shoulders. If whatever stiffness she’d endured during the ceremony came from fear of her wedding night, he could spare her that, at least. Perhaps they could become friends first, in time.

Thomas opened the door and ducked out, offering her his hand.

“Come, then. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to your new home, Mrs. Ramsbury.”

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