Abigail and Kenneth laughed harder and Louisa turned to face the sound. As she made to step away from him, Cedric grasped her wrist softly, making her gasp in surprise. He turned her to face him and gently reached up, brushing his fingers across her soft skin as he pulled the blindfold from her eyes. She blinked up at him, eyes widening as she realized.
Cedric smiled. "My turn to be the blind man, I think?"
The butterflies in Louisa's stomach fluttered nervously as she gazed into Cedric's eyes. She hadn't been expecting to see him standing before her, and she had briefly become worried that he was about to scold her for getting the children all excited and loud. His apparent eagerness to join in with the game had taken her by surprise and for a moment she simply did not know how to respond.
He was touching her face, the heat of his skin on hers leaving her confused and trembling a little, like a deer caught in the gaze of a lion.
Clearly though it had been longer than a moment when Cedric smirked wickedly and leaned in close to her. "Whatever is the matter, sweet wife of mine? It seems the cat has got your tongue. Surely you are not going to be shy with me?"
Louisa felt herself flush scarlet, heat building beneath her skin. She stammered but that only made Cedric's wolfish smile grow larger. She whipped around, trying to tame her racing heart, and paused.
The children had become cheerful and boisterous over the few rounds they had played, and she had heard clearly their laughter as she was guessing what piece of furniture she was holding onto. But now that Cedric intended to join them, they had become quieter. Louisa didn't think they were scared of theiruncle, not at all, but there was a sort of wariness in their eyes when they regarded him that she desperately hoped she could help to erase over time.
She supposed it was because they didn't yet know him and, though she hoped the nighttime story and today's willingness to play with them marked something of a turning point, he was still distant with them in a way she imagined they were unused to from their parental figures. She wouldn't bring it up to him of course, but she sensed that Cedric was wary of the children also. It was no surprise that they were picking up on some tension and responding in kind.
Louisa cleared her throat and turned back to Cedric. "I suppose we shall have to find a bigger blindfold for you."
Cedric put a hand to his chest in (what she hoped was) mock affront. "My dear, you can't possibly be suggesting that I have an overly large head now, are you?"
"My lord, I'm sure I don't know what you mean."
Cedric's response was interrupted by a polite cough from the doorway. They turned in unison to find Ellis standing there, studiously inspecting her hands. "Beg your pardon, my lord, Lady St Vincent. I don't mean to interrupt but I've been searching for her ladyship for a time now."
Louisa smoothed down her dress. "Is everything all right, Ellis?"
"Yes my lady, it's just I've been sent by Mrs. Brooks to find you. She wishes to remind you that she has to show you the kitchen accounts today so that cook may pay the grocer's boy when he comes."
Louisa smiled apologetically to Cedric, but he held up his hands. "Please, don't hesitate on my account. Perhaps we can finish the game some other time."
"I'd like that." Louisa waved goodbye to the children and made to follow Ellis from the room. As she passed him, Cedric caught her hand in his. Those infernal butterflies fluttered in her stomach yet again as she met his gaze.
"I meant to tell you, we have been invited to a little soiree by Lord Allington. I'm sure you know of him."
"A soiree?"
"A party. I'm sure Mrs. Brooks will be discussing accepting invites if you haven't already. This will be our first gathering as husband and wife and so I want it to go well."
"Do we have to go?" The words were out of Louisa's mouth before she could think, and she could have kicked herself for her thoughtlessness. Cedric merely smiled.
"I'm afraid so. Our supposed honeymoon is over. It's time to reenter society." He bid the children farewell and left the room.
Ellis stood waiting for her, but as Louisa trailed after the maid her mind was on Cedric. Was it wrong for her to feel so conflicted at the reminder that their honeymoon was no usual time of newly wedded bliss?
It doesn't matter. I knew going into this that we had unusual circumstances. I need to stop being silly and focus on my duties as his wife, especially if we're to attend this damn party with all eyes no doubt looking our way.
CHAPTER TEN
"My lady," Ellis said, lips pressed into the thin line of disapproval that lately had not been quite as devastating to her soul as it had started out being. "Your guests are waiting."
Louisa glanced up from her mirror, carefully checking that the shadows beneath her eyes from her disturbed nights were not so great as to start The Chorus, as she liked to call it when her sisters werestartedon something to worry about. "Thank you, Ellis, I am aware."
"They are asking when you shall be ready, my lady," Ellis said. "May I give them an indication?"
"Indicate away, Ellis," Louisa said lightly. "I shall be done when I am done. They are familiar enough with me to have patience."
Ellis, who was spiritually training to be Mrs. Brook's' apprentice, Louisa felt, made a curtsey that implied many things about howshe felt about guests being patient and left the room. Louisa was mostly dressed anyway, she was simply putting off having to be under the careful loving eyes of those who knew her so well.
Would they immediately be able to tell how confusing andstrangeher new life was? How much of a failure she felt in her position most days? How the servants were dubious of her and the children were barely accepting her and her own husband had only ever wanted a woman to help care rear the children he so clearly cared for but was still so clearly uncertain about being himself around them and trusting his instincts.
