Page 64 of Lost in the Dark

He wanted to consummate their union.

Right. It was their first night together, in her new home. He was her husband. Regardless of his beard and age and strange teeth, she had to welcome him to her bed and ensure he didn’t send her home—didn’t demand repayment. Her sisters wouldn’t survive without that coin.

She forced a smile. “I would be pleased to go upstairs with you, my Lord.”

“No, no.” He waved a massive hand. “Enulf will show you.”

“But…” She blinked in confusion. “Aren’t you—”

“Later. Tomorrow.” He pushed her hand off his arm. “Tonight, I have matters to attend to with Gude. Enulf. Serve your mistress.”

Enulf limped forward. “Allow me, Lady.”

Her heart stuttered.

She stared at her husband as he walked away with the housekeeper, leaving her alone in the dark hall. He had chosen the housekeeper—one who clearly kept no sort of house—over her.

Was he going to reject her?

Had he already?

Had she failed her new marriage before the sun rose on their first day together? The necklace pulsed hot against her breast, and tears burned the backs of her eyes. Her family needed this union, and she’d failed them—

“Lady?”

Chest shuddering, she looked at Enulf. “I am sorry… I…” Her fingers curled around the necklace. “I do not know what to do. I… do I have to leave? It is dark and I have no way of returning home and…”

“Lady.” He touched her shoulder. “Be at ease.”

“But…” Her chin wobbled. “But I am to be sent home and—”

“Lady…” Enulf drew in a deep breath and gently cupped one of her hands between his giant ones. “I promise you’re not being sent home. Rathbytten is not like other estates. We have… history.”

She swallowed hard, afraid to hope. “You are sure?”

“I am.” He sounded almost sad.

He took her up the stairs and down a long, dark passage. The second floor was less filthy than the main level, though it was hardly what Anna would call acceptable. It was strange to see such items of wealth—brass candlesticks, white marble tables, gilt frames and hanging tapestries—and feel sorry for them.

“Your room has been readied,” he said, pushing open a wooden door and sweeping a hand at the shadowed interior.

She peered inside.

“Gods,” she whispered. “It is huge.”

“Is it?” he asked. “I thought it small, but you are not large.”

“No.” She offered him a shy smile. “I’m not. But I assure you, to anyone from my village this would be the biggest chamber they’d ever seen. So much space! And only that one great bed…”

She clamped a hand over her mouth.

Cheeks burning, she regarded him with burgeoning horror. It was bad enough her new husband wasn’t joining her; she shouldn’t be pointing out the bed to the manservant. Especially when she’d hoped that servant was her new husband—when she still found herself admiring his eyes.

“I mean…” she stammered. “I…it is a very nice room, thank you.”

If she’d embarrassed Enulf, he gave no hint.

“I hope you sleep well,” he said, placing her tiny satchel of belongings inside the doorway. “You’ll want your strength for tomorrow.”

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