Page 96 of Unseen

“America,” I said quickly, and Azriel laughed out loud.

“America? The poor sods who’ve just emerged from a Civil War? My goodness, Evie, you truly are adventurous.”

“You wouldn’t want to?”

Azriel shrugged, looking out at the snow as it flew past the carriage windows. “I have never considered it. I was never much fond of a country that considered it normal to own people.”

I leaned back into him, the carriage bumping over snow drifts that lined the cobbles. “But with the war that has all come to an end. It truly is a new world.” I gently dug my elbow into his ribs. “Just think of all the new opportunities to be had.”

Azriel smiled down at me. “We shall consider it. Fancy a ranch out in the west then?”

I pulled a face. “Certainly not. A pretty townhouse in Boston or New York, if you please.”

He kissed my forehead. “Whatever my queen desires, she shall have.”

The carriage pulled up by the church, amidst a flurry of activity. Children ran and played in the snow, amidst calls from their parents to not get their Sunday finest wet. Azriel smiled widely as he helped me down from the carriage, watching the children scamper by us.

I was so enamoured by his smile that I did not notice at first the relative hush that fell on the adults that were congregated outside the church, but as I looked about, I saw uncertain glances, and quick-moving eyes that darted away from me. Conversations started again, and I kept my head down as Azriel escorted me into the church.

“Head up, Evie,” he murmured to me, and I clutched his arm tighter.

“Everyone is looking at us.”

“Yes, to see how beautiful you are, beloved, nothing more.”

It felt like a mistake now. My joy at finally being back out in the world, even if it was only the parish church, had decidedly dissipated. I stared down at the muff encasing my hands as Azriel seated us at the end of a pew in the middle of thechurch. A towering stained glass window stretched up beside me, and I felt like the very eyes of God were looking down at me, judging my shame.

“Caine!” A friendly male voice came from the aisle, and I looked up to see a slight man with thinning red hair. He was smiling widely, holding out a hand to Azriel, who took it with a jovial clap to the shoulder.

“Grantham, good to see you,” Azriel said, turning to me with a sweep of his hand. “Please, meet my wife, Mrs Evangeline Caine.”

“Splendid to meet you.” Grantham gave me a nod. “And a very merry Christmas to you, madam.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Lord Grantham is a business associate of mine, and a very poor one at that,” Azriel said, and Grantham laughed.

“Pardon me, your grace.” I quickly dipped my head, and Grantham waved a hand through the air.

“Ah, never mind all that, it is Christmas after all, and we are all equal in the house of the Lord, are we not?”

“Your good lady wife is not here this evening?” Azriel asked.

Grantham shook his head and sucked on his teeth. “No, she is unfortunately indisposed on account of her delicate condition. Felt it wise that she rest this evening.”

“Ah.” Azriel nodded. “Well, give her my best.”

“Now wait a minute, you and your lovely wife must come to our New Year’s Eve party.” Grantham lit up, his eyes landing on me. “I am sure it would be wonderful to present you both properly as husband and wife, don’t you think?”

I swallowed hard, not quite knowing what to say. “Oh dear, I would not wish to impose.”

“It’s no imposition, truly.” Grantham looked back to Azriel. “My wife throws the best parties, as you no doubt remember.”

“She does indeed.” Azriel smiled down at me. “It would be lovely, wouldn’t it?”

“Whatever you say, my dear.” I took his hand. “So long as Lady Grantham is not too strained by the festivities.”

“Ah, Edith’ll be fine, she lives for a party.” Grantham looked about the growing congregation, and leaned closer to Azriel. “Just not so keen on church.” With a laugh and a hearty clap on Azriel’s shoulder, he made his way across the aisle to take his seat on another pew.

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