Page 69 of Six Nights to Marry a Marquess

“Oh, such young love! What true hearts!” Lady Leighton sighed dreamily, clasping her hands together as she watched the scene unfold before her.

When he finally covered the distance to where she sat, Agnes found herself further surprised when her husband suddenly swept into a bow and whipped out a posy of wildflowers from behind him. “I picked these for you on my way, darling,” he said. His voice carried a sheepish tone, and his eyes sought hers, looking for a sign of forgiveness or perhaps a softening of her stance.

Agnes hesitated, but only fleetingly, before she let her fingers close around the flowers. Instinctively, she raised them to her nose and inhaled, the simple scent providing a small comfort.

“We had a little spat earlier, and I couldn’t rest knowing she’s upset, you see,” Theodore explained as he glanced in the countess’s direction now, sharing a look that seemed to seek approval or perhaps understanding.

“Why you should have told me that, dear child, instead of pretending he was busy,” Lady Leighton said to Agnes as she laughed. Her tone was light, teasing, meant to ease the tension perhaps.

It was Agnes who suddenly felt sheepish now for being caught in her little lie. She smiled awkwardly, not quite meeting anyone’s eyes as she fiddled with the stems of the flowers.

“But all is well, all is well. He’s a repented fellow now,” the woman added. Laughter followed from Theodore and the girls, a light-hearted moment that even drew a reluctant laugh from Agnes, despite the lingering shadows of their earlier disagreement.

“Such little squabbles in marriage are only natural. If anything, they are healthy, for they comprise the very foundation of the bond in every union,” the Countess continued sagely. “They soften the heart when it acknowledges its faults. And in turn, it grows fonder, you see.”

Leslie let out a yawn just then, her eyelids drooping slightly from the fatigue of the evening’s excitements.

“Oh, it is getting quite late. I think I have held your family long enough for an evening, Lord Gillingham,” Lady Leighton said to Theodore.

“Indeed, you have,” Theodore chuckled, appreciative. He took Agnes’ hand and led her to the carriage.

“We had the most marvelous time, brother,” Leslie said once they were all settled and on their way home, another yawn escaping her lips.

“I am glad you did, Leslie dear,” Theodore responded, ruffling her hair affectionately. “Now you need to sleep.”

“But I do not want to,” Leslie grumbled, her youthful spirit still burning bright despite her obvious tiredness. “The night is still young. Thus, I must stay and share in its merriment,” she added with a defiant pout. But her head soon collapsed against her brother’s shoulder, and her eyes fluttered closed, surrendering to sleep.

“You can share in tomorrow’s merriment,” Theodore said softly as he ran a fond hand through his now dozing sister’s hair, a gentle smile touching his lips.

“She’s such a child,” Harriet observed with an equally fond chuckle, watching her younger sister with affection.

“Not so loud, Harriet. She’ll hear you,” Agnes audibly whispered.

“She is only twelve. I do not know why she insists that she is a young lady.”

Theodore’s laugh mingled with theirs in the quiet of the carriage.If only this moment is as genuine as it appears,Agnes thought miserably despite the smile she still wore, her heart aching with the complexities of her marital situation.

She was seated just opposite and quite close to her husband in the carriage, but he had never felt more distant. In fact, they were further apart than they had ever been. Despite the laughter and shared merriment just moments ago, a chasm of unspoken words and unresolved issues stretched between them, making the physical proximity seem like an illusion.

When they arrived home, she bid the girls and Theodore goodnight and went to her bedchamber, hoping everyone would understand her desire to be left alone. As she was changing into her night dress, a knock sounded at the door before Miss Evans joined her.

“You did not call me, My Lady,” she complained, setting down a missive on a table.

“I did not want to bother you,” Agnes replied, sitting at the vanity and picking up her hairbrush.

“Oh, My Lady.” Evans shook her head.

“What is that?” Agnes asked, pointing at the missive on the table.

“Oh, this arrived for you from London. It is from your family.”

Agnes quickly collected the letter and opened:

My Dearest Agnes,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits. The Duke and I miss you dearly, and the house has felt all too quiet without your laughter echoing through its halls.

I am writing to bring you a piece of joyful news. Philip, Harry, and George are set to travel to spend a few days or a sennight with you. They have been restless with excitement, and poor George is able to eat. All he talks about is exploring Lord Gillingham’s estate and the treasures to be uncovered. Imagine! Harry is asking why they cannot depart tomorrow.

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