“Because there would be whispers if you did go alone. I have worked too much recently to protect my reputation. I cannot risk it turning sour again because we do not attend an event together.” He sighed and moved toward the writing bureau, peering over her shoulder at the letter. “If you are to write to him, tell him we shall both be there.”
“Anything else you wish me to say to him?”
“No.” Theodore nearly reached out toward her then. The wish filled him up inside. He longed to kiss her, as they had kissedbefore, to remind her that she was married to him, and no matter what charm Cedric may have, it was not the same.
Marriage of convenience. Remember that.
His hand fell at his side, and he walked out of the room.
“We’re going to be late!” Theodore called up the stairs. This felt all too familiar now as he turned to face Yates.
“Everything is ready with the carriage, Your Grace. If you wish, I’ll escort your wife to the carriage.”
“Thank you.” Theodore adjusted the lapels of his jacket and his cravat one last time. It sat perfectly. Not even a hair on his head was out of place. Somewhat pleased with the appearance of neatness, he turned and left the house.
Snow had started to fall lightly again, but it wasn’t settling, giving him confidence that they would be safe to make the journey to Cedric’s house. He climbed into the carriage and sat down on the bench, spending a few minutes adjusting his frock coat to make sure it rested as neatly as the rest of him.
Two figures appeared in the lantern light a minute or so later as Yates assisted Margaret to the carriage.
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“Have a good evening, Your Grace.”
The carriage door was closed as Margaret sat down on the bench opposite Theodore.
She didn’t look at him, but he couldn’t look anywhere else. She had worn one of the new gowns he had purchased for her, a new fur pelisse resting on her shoulders to keep her warm. The deep green gown was cinched just under the bust, the delicate hem falling over delicate white shoes on her feet.
Her hair was in a new style he had not seen before, bundled very high at the back of her hair with a cascade of brown curls falling at her neck. The only jewelry she wore was a single necklace that rested delicately on her throat.
Something tightened in Theodore’s gut as he looked at the necklace. It was a poor thing, nothing like the fine necklace he could have purchased for her.
I didn’t even think about buying her jewelry. Perhaps she would like that.
Not a word was passed between them on the journey, though Theodore repeatedly stole glances of his wife. Every time he managed to force himself to look outside, he was drawn back to staring at her again. His weakness was his alone though.
She has not once looked at me.
As they arrived at Cedric’s house, a footman opened the carriage door and Theodore stepped down first. The footman turned to offer his hand to Maggie, but Theodore was there first, taking her hand and helping her down. He could feel no warmth in her grasp because of the white gloves she wore, but he was all too aware of just how quickly she released his hand again.
They entered the house without a word to each other and were shown into the great drawing room by Cedric’s butler. There were already many people gathered for the evening, all bearing great beaning smiles and talking with excitement.
They had Christmas spirit, something that Theodore was confident he and Maggie were lacking significantly this evening.
“Theodore! There you are.” Cedric’s voice called.
Theodore turned to be greeted by his cousin.
“I’m glad you could come.” Cedric shook his hand firmly. “With all that Gabriel said about you avoiding some events like this, I thought you might not come.”
“I considered it,” Theodore muttered under his breath, but Cedric seemed not to notice. His head was already turning in Maggie’s direction.
“Ah, Your Grace. I’m so pleased you could make it tonight.” Once more, he took hold of Margaret’s hand with swift ease. He raisedit to his lips and kissed the back, holding her gaze in the most charismatic and flirtation way.
Something badly darkened inside of Theodore’s chest. He felt as if shadows were swallowing him up as he reached out and possessively laid a hand on the back of Maggie’s waist. If she noticed, she gave no sign of it. Instead, she seemed utterly enraptured by the way Cedric had kissed her hand.
“I have been waiting for your arrival all evening, Your Grace,” Cedric continued with his flirtation.
What is he doing? He does know we are married!
