Page 39 of Moonlight Encounter
Once she had risen, she took hold of Ethan’s tiny hand and they walked together to the library. Gwen contemplated what it would be like to have a tyke of her own to take care of, and then realized in mild disbelief that it had become a genuine possibility.
Huzzah! I am married!
Several hours later, their party of guests began to depart. Gwen and Aidan stood with her father in the hall bidding them goodbye. His sister and her husband were the last to leave, Lily chattering in a nervous manner before once again embracing Gwen awkwardly.
Once the door closed, the three of them stood in silence until her father announced he would be in his study and left the two of them alone.
Gwen watched Aidan in a state of pensive anticipation. Would he kiss her now that they were alone?
Aidan blew out a breath, before turning to smile at her. He seemed … nervous?
“I … have a meeting at my club … and I shall return later.”
Disappointment washed over Gwen. He seemed reluctantto be with her. The way he had stated his appointment sounded disingenuous, as if he sought a reason to leave.
Was he unhappy about their marriage born from scandal, after all? He had seemed committed to their union, even keen. Now he appeared desperate to get away.
“Um … I shall ensure the servants have unpacked your things and … await your return, then.”
Aidan nodded, not quite making eye contact before he bowed in a manner that Gwen found rather formal, considering that they had just wed, before racing out the front door.
How was he going to reach his club without transport? Was he to catch a hackney?
Gwen held her arms at her sides and shook out her hands in agitation, feeling decidedly nervous and hoping that her groom was not regretting their vows. It was far too late to change course now.
Aidan had walked several miles,attempting to clear his thoughts. It had not worked. He could not stop thinking about this evening and what was expected of him. The mechanics of it were not a mystery, but that did nothing to dispel his turmoil.
Sitting alone at a back table in his club, he stared down at the drink he had ordered, while other gentlemen imbibed in deep discussion and fine French brandy. Like the rest of the Abbotts, Aidan did not drink spirits in respect to his cousin, Sophia, but he occasionally ordered a brandy to placate the servers who would hover in apprehension at leaving him unserved.
Aidan briefly considered downing the brandy. Perhaps itwould help him fulfill his duties? Not that it should be an undue chore. He had imagined bedding Gwen numerous times since their encounter on the terrace that first night.
It was not a matter of want. It was a matter of how. Gwen was an innocent maiden who deserved something better than a clumsy fumbling.
“Little Breeches.”
Aidan grunted in irritation. How he managed to choose the one club where he would encounter the aggravating Trafford… Looking up, he tensed his jaw and forced a stiff smile.
Trafford was dressed in a bronze jacquard coat over an ebony waistcoat. More ridiculous attire. Whatever the Earl of Stirling provided as an allowance, it was far too much if Trafford’s expensive and foppish clothes were anything to judge by.
The other heir dropped into a chair across from him, sweeping a hand through the artful tangle of wheat curls at the crown of his head. Aidan rolled his eyes. There was nothing more affected than Trafford’s two-toned hair. His valet obviously bleached the top, while the back and sides were a contrasting brown.
“I thought you wed today.”
“I did.”
“Then why are you here?”
Aidan rolled his shoulders, forcing himself back into the chair in a feigned pose of relaxation. “No reason.”
“Is the whole …” Trafford waved his hand in the air.
“No.” The muddle with Gwen’s father, and the fact that with Gwen’s future secured, he would now continue his investigation into Smythe, was a constant burden upon his conscience. Today, however, that was the least of his concerns.
“Are you well, Little Breeches?”
Aidan snorted. Trafford was both sympathetic and insulting in the same breath.
“What are you doing here?”
