Page 75 of Tamed By a Passionate Lady
She had been delighted, of course. They had never had a dinner party in the years before the fall, had never entertained at all as a couple. She had thrown herself into the preparations, consulting with Mrs. Hargreaves for days about the menu as well as the table setting.
She gazed at it, now, with satisfaction. Two large bouquets of flowers, picked from their garden, sat in the middle of the table, in the best crystal vases. She had arranged them herself, a mixture of roses, lavender and baby’s breath. The heady scent of their perfume permeated the air.
The maids had polished the silver until it gleamed. They were just about to begin the first course of watercress soup, which was to be followed by roasted goose with parsnips. A dessert of good old fashioned Lancashire trifle, with lashings of whipped cream and homemade custard, would finish off the dinner.
She took a deep breath. It was done, now, and she could finally relax and enjoy the dinner. That was if she could fend off her amorous husband, of course.
She still couldn’t believe how much he wanted her. Every night, and often in the morning, as well. Sometimes, he would even lure her into their chambers in the middle of the day. Just like the compliments, it was as if he was making up for lost time. The years that they had lay side by side in that large bed, without touching. The years when they had been celibate strangers.
The lost years.
She blushed, just at the thought of it. It was so very different now. It was truly amazing, as if the more he had her, the more he wanted her. As if he could not get enough of her. And it was totally reciprocated. She could not get enough of him, either.
Dr. Patterson raised his glass into the air, his face florid, already flushed from the wine. He cleared his throat.
“To our hosts,” he said. “I must say, it is rather pleasant to be in this magnificent house, about to commence a fine dinner, rather than back on board theChristiana.”He grinned. “A bit of shore leave never hurt anyone!”
“Here, here!” seconded Fergus Hicks, raising his own glass. “I am only just starting to get my land legs again, and there is no better place to do it than at Birkenhead Lodge.”
James smiled broadly. “Gentlemen, it is an honour to have you both in our home,” he said. “The journey to this moment could not have happened without either of you.” He turned and gazed at Adaline, his eyes softening. “Both my wife and I thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Adaline nodded. “Indeed, we do, gentlemen. Without your prompt assistance in finding James that day on the rocks, he probably would not be with us now…” Her voice faded away, as she felt a sudden lump come into her throat.
Even though it had been three months since the fall and all the tumultuous events that had happened in its wake, it was still raw for her in so many ways. Sometimes, in the midst of her current bliss, it would hit her, with the force of a hammer, how easily it could have been different. How things could have turned out tragically.
Instead, in so many ways it had indeed been a blessing. James had become the husband she had always wanted. Reuben Montgomery was no longer here to bother her, and would never walk through the front door of Birkenhead Lodge again. And she had gained a sister in Isabel Montgomery, a constant sweet companion. It was as if the revelations of what Reuben had done had strengthened their bond, drawing them closer.
She gazed at Isabel now. The young woman had blossomed even more since her brother had left. She had gained weight, which suited her; she was almost curvaceous, now, and her cheeks were always flushed with colour. Her blue eyes sparkled with good health. Isabel was a far cry from the painfully thin, deathly pale girl who had first arrived at Birkenhead Lodge, all those months ago.
She and James had discussed the young woman’s transformation. Her husband had said that it was probably a combination of constant good treatment, at the hands of Dr. Brown, and the lifting of her spirits since her brother had left. Adaline had readily agreed. It seemed that while Isabel had worshipped her brother, his presence had also oppressed her in some way. His absence was a blessing for all of them.
But Adaline knew that it was something else, too. She agreed with her husband that Dr. Brown’s treatment had done wonders for Isabel. But it was the man himself that had affected the greatest change in the young woman.
Adaline smiled, watching them sitting side by side. They were not open in their affection for each other, but it was there in the way that they automatically turned to each other, seeking out the other’s gaze. It was there in the way Isabel blushed furiously, whenever the doctor spoke to her. It was there in their shining eyes, which never held quite the same gleam when they were not in each other’s company.
It was love. Adaline recognised it, and rejoiced for the young woman.
She did not know if it had been declared between them, yet. Isabel was coy, and never discussed such matters with her. But Dr. Brown was a constant visitor at Birkenhead Lodge; he was here far more than what was required in a medical capacity. Adaline had been watching the slow unfolding of their love with quiet delight.
She cleared her throat. “We must thank Dr. Brown, as well,” she said slowly. “Without you, Doctor, I do not think James would have made such a rapid recovery…”
“Indeed,” agreed James, turning to the doctor, as well. “You have my eternal gratitude, Dr. Brown.”
Dr. Brown looked embarrassed. “You do not need to thank me,” he said, in his quiet, humble way. “It is my vocation to heal, and I only do what I must. I am just grateful that it all turned out so well, and that your memory finally came back, Mr. Townshend.”
“It was indeed a blessing,” said James, gazing softly at his wife. “In more ways than you can ever imagine, Doctor.” Their eyes locked, and held, for a long moment.
Adaline could feel herself drowning in that gaze, for a moment. As always, when he looked at her that way, it was as if they were quite alone, that everyone else around them had inexplicably disappeared, and they were the only two people left on earth.
She was only roused by an embarrassed cough. Dazed, she looked away. It had come from Dr. Patterson, who was gazing at them both with a sheepish expression on his florid face. She blushed furiously. She was not being a good host at all.
But the next minute the door opened, and the soup was brought in. Dr. Patterson engaged Dr. Brown in a spirited conversation about the latest advances in medical treatments, and James turned to Fergus Hicks, asking the sailor about his adventures at sea, which the man related in hilarious anecdotes.
She felt herself relax again. The dinner was going to be a success.
There was only one more time when she felt her composure slip slightly, again. After dessert was finished, and the men stood up, to retire to the parlour with their after dinner port, when her husband brushed against her, on the way out, leaning down to whisper in her ear.
“After our guests have left for the evening,” he said slowly, his breath warm. “I want you to meet me at the point, in the garden, where we watch the sunset.”
