Page 15 of Love, Will

While listening to my story, he had passed through the various stages of meeting someone, falling in love, consummating the love and expecting offspring, which seemed to make him forget about his troubles for a while, at least. He actively took part in the story, asking questions or reacting noisily to the various events, offering his own opinions or sharing other short similar situations he had heard of.

Realizing how late it was, I stood to show my intention of leaving. “With your permission, your Lordship, I will follow my way to bed now.” I bowed towards him.

“Yes, of course.” He stood from his chair as well, “Thank you for such a wonderful evening. It was so exciting to learn more about the poet of true love,” he said excitedly.I smiled. It pleased me enormously that he called me so.

“Thank you for your kind invitation, my Lord.” I nodded my head once more.

“We must do this again soon!” he replied excitedly and shook my hand. The Earl treated me like someone of his rank which made me feel out of place. I did not know what to respond and how to react to his touch. I could feel his incredibly soft hands in mine and a tremor passed through my body.

“Thank you, my Lord,” I barely mumbled.

“Henry, call me Henry.” He smiled, still shaking my hand.

“Henry…” I whispered.

I must confess I touched nothing with my right hand that night, too afraid that the Earl’s softness would fade quicker if I did.

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