by Aria Norton
“Why do you ask?” she finally said.
Her voice sounded strange, not quite like her own. For one, it had none of the bite she usually reserved for him.
“No particular reason. I only thought that you had said something.”
“I did.”
She turned away from him, staring at her plate. What had they placed in front of her? Potatoes, carrots, lamb, bread, gravy, peas ... Her mind drifted away from her food to look at the people at the table, noticing her siblings.
“Oh, so they are here.” She giggled.
Why was she laughing? She had a vague memory of Nanny giving her something bitter tasting to drink just before she entered the drawing-room. Had she put something in it to calm her nerves?
His eyes concerned, Carlos bent his head closer to hers. “Are you feeling well, Aurora? You do not seem yourself.”
“Indeed? I do feel strange.”
“Did you, by any chance, consume alcohol?”
She shrugged her shoulders, grinning. “I do not know. Perhaps.”
She had never been one to stomach alcohol, preferring milk, tea, and water from the stream that ran through the property.
“Would you like me to get you anything?”
That made her laugh. “Why would my husband wish to wait on me hand on foot? Is it not the other way around?”
“I only want to make you as comfortable as possible.”
“Then you should not have married me.”
Her stomach turned without warning, pulling her face when she felt bile rise within her. Nanny must have given me brandy. Standing up, her chair crashed to the floor as she rushed out of the room, heading for the back door. She immediately emptied her stomach on the closest flowerbed, groaning to see the flowers splattered with sick. Someone approached her soon after, stopping just shy of the mess.
“Oh, Aurora,” said Nanny. “I feel terrible.”
“Water,” she croaked, clutching her belly.
The woman stepped into view, holding a glass of milk in one hand and water in the other.
“Rinse your mouth, dear, then drink the milk. It will make you feel better.”
Aurora followed her instructions, feeling better after having the milk. She handed the glass back, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
“What was in the milk?”
“Just a few things to counter the brandy I had given you. Do you feel better?”
“Yes, thank you. Although I am not entirely thankful about the brandy.”
Nanny smiled apologetically. “I know, child, but I could not stand by and watch you walk into the room with so much fear and trepidation. I gave you a little to calm your nerves.”
“Well, it certainly worked.”
“Good. Do you feel ready to go inside? Your husband was concerned about you, but I assured him you would be fine.”
Aurora shook her head. “Stay with me a while outside; I do not wish to go in just yet.”
“But–”
“Just five minutes, Nanny. Will you play with my hair as you used to when I was a little girl? Please?”
The woman sighed. “Of course, child. But just five minutes. You are a married woman now, and your position is by your husband’s side.”
Aurora said nothing but moved to the garden chairs some steps away from the flowerbed. Everything was moving too quickly for her liking. She needed just a little time to compose herself before she needed to face her life. Only a few minutes.
***
All too soon, she found herself saying goodbye to everyone. The little food she had managed to eat sat like rocks in her stomach, weighing down her body and heart. A large hand cupped her shoulder, drawing her attention.
“Aurora,” her father said.
Aurora shrugged the hand away, closing her eyes for a second. This was the man who had brought this fate upon her – what did he want to say to her? He has achieved what he set out to do without a second thought to my well-being. Does he wish to rub it in? She turned her eyes on him, waiting to hear what he had to say.
“I only want to say that I wish you well. Carlos has assured me that he will take care of you, and you can visit whenever you wish to. He will not object.”
Was that it? “I suppose I should be grateful?”
He hung his head. “I know that you despise me – as you should. I can only hope that one day you will forgive me for all my mistakes.”
He said nothing else but walked away, his shoulders stooped as he entered the house. Well, that’s that. I suppose my brothers are just as glad to be rid of me. They all stood to the side, their wives with them. Hannah was the only one to hug her, whispering well wishes into her ear. Aurora smiled, but it probably looked more like a grimace. Eventually, she came to where the servants stood, their faces red and tear-stained.
“I suppose this is goodbye,” she said sadly.
A heartbeat passed before they collectively uttered a cry, huddling around her. Everyone embraced her as though they did not want to let her go, squeezing her tight. Aurora couldn’t help crying with them, not caring that her tears were mingled with the mucous running down her nose. This was a heartbreaking moment for her; a day she never thought would come. All fears and uncertainties of her future were poured into her salty tears, giving no relief from her torment.
After some time, they settled down, everyone drying their eyes and using their aprons to dry hers. She turned to the children next, giving them kisses on their cheeks and brows. Finally, she reluctantly looked to her husband, finding him patiently waiting for her beside the carriage. At least he has not complained about my lengthy goodbyes, but that does not mean that he has endeared himself to me.
Without a word to him, she climbed into the carriage, ignoring his hand. She didn’t need him to help her into her doom.
Chapter 13
Carlos gazed at his wife, wondering what he could say to her. They were two hours into their journey, and she had yet to utter a single word, choosing to stare out of the window instead. She was so still that he had to peer closely to reassure himself that she was alive. I am not used to her behaving like this. She appears so lifeless and morose. This was a complete change from the mischievous woman she had been for the last seven days, and, if truth be told, he preferred the woman who had tormented him with her pranks and tricks to the woman who sat before him now.
The first inn on their way home was only an hour away, but they had yet to strike up any sort of conversation. It would help if I knew what to say. Carlos had given her an hour to grow used to his presence, and the last hour was spent trying to come up with ways to speak to her. This was his wife, for heaven’s sake! It shouldn’t be this difficult to talk to her.
“Lovely weather today,” he said.
He inwardly groaned. Of all the topics he could have picked, he chose the weather? It didn’t seem to matter because she gave no visible proof of hearing him. At least she has moved. She had taken to staring at her hands neatly folded in her lap, her body slightly swaying with the carriage’s movement. He might have thought her asleep if not for her eyelashes moving up and down every few seconds. I suppose I can try again.
“We’ll be staying at an inn I know well. The owner has often purchased goods from me, usually from China. He has other inns scattered about England, but he prefers to live in the one we’ll spend the night in.”
He saw her head shift ever so slightly, as though she were listening. ’Tis something. That encouraged him to continue speaking.
“We have several more inns along the way. Perhaps one might become your favourite. I know at least three have large libraries for their guests to peruse through, and one has a music room where many well-known musicians have played. Hopefully, we will get to see at least one performance. Do you enjoy music?”
No answer. I never thought that I would wish her to speak. How will we reach an understanding if she ignores me? He wanted them to be on good terms by the time they reached his mother. I do not want her to thi
nk that my wife loathes me, although she does.
“I have several homes dotted about England. You can choose where we will call our marital home.”
Perhaps that was not the best thing to say, especially when she hated him. Carlos let out a drawn-out sigh, rubbing his eyes. Her nanny had told him to be patient and understanding, not to push her. I know this situation is difficult for her. She’s married to a stranger, has left her home, and had to swallow defeat. If he had been in her shoes, he would also want to be left alone. I’m confident she’ll come around once we have reached the inn and had a good night’s rest. It wasn’t likely, but a man could hope.
Carlos must have dozed off because when he woke up, their carriage was slowing down. Quickly wiping the sides of his mouth in case any drool had collected, he stared out of the window, recognising the area.
“We’re almost at the inn. I’m sure you’d like to freshen up.”
Aurora blinked slowly, her eyes on the trees. I gather I’m still on the receiving end of her silent treatment. Would she ever speak to him again? He didn’t mind if it was in anger; he just wanted to hear her voice once more.
“You will have to accompany me inside while I arrange our room.”
Her eyes widened, puzzling him. What was the matter? He had only spoken about booking a room for them to sleep in. Carlos wanted to ask her what the issue was, but he already knew she wouldn’t answer him. If there is a problem, I’ll trust that she’ll say something as I cannot read her mind.
He jumped out of the carriage as soon as it stopped, getting the steps before his footman could. Carlos waved the man away, assuring him that he was capable of assisting his wife. By the time he turned back to place the steps by the carriage door, he found Aurora silently standing by.
How had she jumped down so quietly? Well, at least she has decided not to fight me every step of the way. She must be just as eager to get a room as I am. Then it hit him. I cannot arrange for a room, it will have to be two. She is clearly afraid of sharing one with me. That explained the wide-eyed look she had given him.
“Right. Would you like to come with me? I’ll ask for refreshments as well.”
She started walking, her back and neck stiff and straight. She takes direction well when she wants to. Carlos followed her, meeting her by the front desk where a young man stood, his grin so wide one could see his gums. He wanted to wipe that smile right off the man’s face and had taken several steps forward to do just that when he caught himself. What on earth was he doing? Had he been about to plant a facer on the man? Why? All he was doing was talking to Aurora. However, when the man leaned towards her, his arms resting on the table, Carlos wasted no time in closing the gap between him and Aurora. She hardly paid him a glance, keeping her eyes remained on the man who was quickly becoming enamoured with her.
“Good day,” Carlos greeted, leaning on the counter. “We would like to book two adjoining rooms, please.”
“Yes, sir,” he said cheerfully. “Are you siblings?”
“I’m her husband.”
The young man frowned. “Oh.”
Visibly disappointed, he lifted a heavy book from below the counter, throwing it on top with a thud. His thick thumb skimmed a few entries, stopping at a space.
“We have two rooms on the second floor.”
“Adjoining?” Carlos pressed.
“Yes. It has a connecting door.”
“Good, we’ll take them for the night, thank you. We would also like refreshments taken up to the rooms, as well as dinner and breakfast. Can someone take the luggage and lead my wife to her room? She is rather tired from the long journey. We’re newlyweds, you see.”
Why did he feel the need to add that in? The man already knew that they were married.
“Yes, sir. I’ll have Sikes take your luggage and show you to your room.”
“Thank you.”
The man’s eyes drifted towards Aurora, his gaze clearly appreciative. Carlos immediately stepped closer to her, throwing an arm around her waist. She stiffened but didn’t pull away. Thank God for small mercies.
As he paid for their rooms, Sikes appeared to lead Aurora to them. He didn’t like to see her walking away from him, but it wasn’t fair to keep her standing next to him when she was clearly fatigued. He had seen her yawning in the carriage, although she had tried to stifle it. Why must she be so stubborn about everything? Her pride will get the better of her one day.
“If you don’t mind me saying, sir, your wife is beautiful. You’re a lucky man.”
Lucky? If only the man knew what he was saying. “Yes, thank you. Are you not married?”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Take it from me – don’t get married.”
Carlos left the man stunned, heading to his room when he remembered something.
“Oh, I forgot to ask about Peter. Is he in today?”
If the owner were here, he would probably see him at dinner. Peter enjoyed spending time chatting with his guests, particularly over a meal or a game of cards. He’ll probably request a game of cards, but I’ll have to refuse. I need to keep my eyes on my wife. Who knew what she was thinking? For all he knew, she could be plotting her escape, although she had given no outward signs since this morning. I thought perhaps she might try to bolt just before the ceremony, but she didn’t. Perhaps she has resigned herself to a life of matrimony. It was possible, but he wasn’t taking any chances on that front. He wasn’t going to leave her side for a second, and once they were in their own rooms, he would keep watch for any odd sounds or noises coming from her room.
“Peter has stepped out on an errand, sir, but he will be back this evening.”
“Very well. Thank you.”
Carlos left him, his thoughts turning to his wife again. I speak about not leaving her side for a second, but I’ve allowed her to go to the room, accompanied by a mere child. How would he stop her if she decided to run, and he was on the ground floor?
The thought spurred him into a near run, rushing up the stairs and down the corridor to their accommodation. He met Sikes along the way, stopping the boy.
“Has my wife settled into her room?”
“Yes, sir. I gave her the room with the prettier view – I hope you don’t mind?”
“Not at all. Tell me, how far is it from her window to the ground?”
The boy frowned. “Sir?”
“I realise that my question may seem odd, but it’s important to know.”
“A good drop, but it’s manageable if you know what you’re doing.”
Carlos had no doubt that Aurora would know what she was doing. “Thank you.”
He hurried away, belatedly realising that he hadn’t asked which room number was hers. I suppose it’ll be the one I cannot open. Either way, he had keys to both rooms, as well as the adjoining door.
He tried the first door, finding that it swung open easily. “She must be in the other one.”
Could the time he spent talking to the boy have given her ample opportunity to jump out of the window?
“How do I get into her room without committing clear invasion of her space?”
He could listen at the door to see if he could hear anything. There should be some noise, whether a shuffle of shoes, the give of a bed or armchair under some weight, or any general movement about the room. Carlos tiptoed to the adjoining door, pressing his ear against it. He didn’t hear anything at first, making him wonder if his fears were correct. Just when he thought to enter her room, he heard a feminine sigh. He gave his own sigh of sheer relief.