Page 79 of The Dangerous Love of a Rogue
Her mother held Mary’s hands. ‘I must tell you all you should know. It is too late for your wedding night but I hope he has been kind to you. If you argue, then seek to resolve it before you sleep rather than let it run into another day, even if it sometimes means saying sorry when you do not think you are in the wrong.
‘There will be disagreements at first. Arguments are natural for any couple as they come to know one another. So, you should not let them upset you too much. If you feel hurt or angry, though, you must tell him how you feel. If you do not, how is he to know? Talking to one another is the best foundation for a marriage.’
The words passed over Mary. Her mother was talking about men like Papa. He was even-tempered and thoughtful. Andrew was brash and quick-tempered. He would not be the same.
‘I shall ring for tea.’ Her mother rose from the bed.
As they drank the tea, her mother talked about running a household and managing staff.
Then Mary heard horses halting outside. They whinnied. She rose and looked through the window. Her fingertips touched the glass as she watched Andrew climb down from his curricle.
‘He’s here,’ she said and rushed from the room. Despite everything, she felt… in love.
When she reached the landing, he was in the hall. He looked up, and for a moment there was a glimmer of the looks they had shared before her father found them, but it was gone in a second.
Was that look a lie? It felt real.
John and her father were already in the hall. She would guess they had planned a welcome reception.
Mary hurried downstairs. Her father bristled as John stood like a statue, observing. Behind her, her mother sniffed back tears.
When Mary reached Andrew, she longed to kiss him and remind him he’d said he loved her. She did not.
‘Your things?’ he asked.
‘Papa will have them sent in a cart.’ She touched the bruise on his jaw. There was another about his eye. He pulled away from her touch, giving her a look that said,do not.
Mary took her travelling bag from her mother, then Andrew took it from her. ‘I will leave you my address.’
‘We know your address,’ John retorted.
‘Perhaps you would come to dinner soon?’ her mother ventured.
‘I am not sure we shall be free,’ Andrew answered.
‘But you will visit us in the country and stay for a while once the season is over? I doubt we will stay in town much longer now.’
Mary heard the unspoken words,after this.They only came to London to find her a husband.
Her mother took a breath. ‘The younger children are happier at home.’
Mary nodded. ‘Let me know when you will leave?’
Andrew caught hold of her hand. Tears threatened.
Her mother moved forward, lifting her arms. ‘Of course we shall.’
Mary freed her hand and hugged her mother.
They both cried.
Mary’s father came close and raised his hands. She hugged him firmly too.
‘I will miss you,’ he said to her ear. ‘I wish I was losing you in better circumstances. If he treats you badly, you must come back.’
She nodded. When he released her, he pressed his handkerchief into her hand, as he had done the day she eloped. This time there were tears in his eyes too. She hugged him again, harder.
‘We need to go,’ Andrew said, his voice cold.
