“Yes, I am,” she said.
Val hesitated for just a moment. Cecily could feel that he was looking at her, but she could not guess his expression. She wished she could see his face, if only for a moment.
“Very well,” he said. He cleared his throat, but there was a grin in his voice. “Off we go.”
Cecily felt as though she was floating on air as Val helped Greta and her board the carriage. As they traveled, Val described the green foliage on either side of the country road, as well as all the red and pink and yellow wildflowers that dotted the land. He described the cotton puff clouds in the pale blue sky and the trees blooming in the near distance.
As they reached the edge of the village, Val began describing that to her, as well.
“There is a sign that reads ‘Welcome to our beloved Faering,” he said proudly. “The wood is painted blue and the words are written in white script. And just past it is the white with brown trim constable’s office. It is small, as there are only two constables here. But they are good men, and they do their jobs very well.”
Cecily grinned as she imagined it.
“I would love to meet them,” she said shyly.
Val chuckled.
“Please, feel free to introduce yourself to the villagers at your leisure,” he said. “And, of course, I will be happy to come with you one day soon and formally introduce you, if you prefer.”
Cecily nodded.
“That sounds lovely,” she said.
The carriage slowed, coming to a gentle stop a few minutes later. Val exited the carriage and helped Cecily and Greta out of the cab. He put a gentle hand on her arm, causing her to blush.
“I have some errands to take care of,” he said. “Would you like me to give you a quick tour of Faering first?”
Cecily shook her head and smiled. She was grateful for her husband’s offer. But she didn’t want to keep him when he had business to attend to.
“You can go, Duke,” she said. “Greta and I will be fine exploring on our own. It is kind of exciting venturing around a brand-new place and discovering everything myself.”
Val chuckled.
“As you wish,” he said warmly.
Greta took Cecily’s arm, and they were preparing to bid Val farewell and begin exploring. But there was a brief rattling of coins, and then Val’s hands were on hers as he pressed something into her palms.
“Here,” he said, closing her fingers around what she now realized was a bag filled with coins. “This is for you to do some shopping while you’re around if you like. Anything that strikes your fancy, Cecily. I want you to enjoy yourself.”
His touch sent tingles down Cecily’s spine, just as his words set off butterflies in her stomach. That was the first time he had given her money, as any husband would his wife. He genuinely wanted her to do something that made her happy. Little did he know that just being with him made her happier than all baubles or trinkets in the whole world.
“Thank you, Val,” she said, squeezing his hand with the one that was not holding the heavy coin bag. “This is very thoughtful of you, and I am very grateful.”
Val chuckled again.
“It’s more than a pleasure,” he said. He slowly, almost reluctantly, pulled his hand away from hers.
Cecily was blushing. She knew she was smiling like a young girl, but she could not help herself. Nor did she want to. Each day, she felt closer to Val, and it made her heart sing.
“What time will we depart?”she asked.
Val was silent for just a moment, but she could feel his eyes staring intently at her.
“I likely won’t be but an hour or so with my errands,” he said. “However, you may shop as long as you like. There is no rush to return home.”
Cecily nodded. It was kind of him to be willing to wait for her. But she did not intend to make him do so.
“Very well,” she said. “I hope your errands go well.”
