Capítulo 5: Chapter IV
Eva went down for breakfast apprehensively. She had no idea yet how to deal with her new husband. She had ruminated for a while, thinking of all the possibilities. Telling him about her past was definitely out of the question. He would not believe her anyway, would he? He had called her a whore and certainly, to the Ton's best knowledge she was one, but he had no right…. He simply had no right to judge her so fast. She would have to step carefully, know him first, and learn his habits, his qualities and his flaws. Yes, she told herself. This was what she would do. Eva raised her head high and smiled. She would figure her husband out. This was a new life, and one she expected to fully enjoy. No more disappointed fathers and ashamed mothers. She was going to start over. Determined with her course of action, Eve followed the rustle of the servants. She entered a magnificent room. High columns held the even higher ceiling, which, unusually, was painted all blue. Had his owner wanted it to resemble a clear sky? If so why? She was in awe at the originality and mastery of the decorations. She felt a bit sad now that she had not had the opportunity to get herself acquainted better with the house. After she had fainted she had found herself directly in her chamber. But she would definitely get to know the house in the future, she mused. It was hers now.
In the middle of the room there was a large table and her husband was seated at the very end of it. He was watching her, she noticed. Watching her like a feral cat stalking its pray. A shiver went down her spine. She had to seem impervious to his probing stare. She walked nonchalantly to the other end and was prepared to take a seat when she heard her husband's voice.
"Good morning, wife. I trust you had… a pleasant night?" his voice was like a purr which made her comparison with a cat seems even more plausible.
"Good morning, husband. Yes, truly an uneventful and pleasant night" she answered him, her voice the epitome of decorum. Well, as far as she knew for him it was, ironically, both eventful and uneventful. The former because he had definitely enjoyed himself so much that he had drunk himself into a stupor and the latter because he had slept through most of her efforts to provide him with a bed for the night. But he needn't know that. She smiled at him and took her seat.
"I would rather you came here" he said, watching her intently. "I would very much like not to yell for you to hear me, love" his voice was soft yet it did little to mask his command. She decided it wasn't worth fighting for just a seat so she stood up and took the seat right next to him.
"I trust that this is more to your liking, my lord?"
"Infinitely so! "He smiled at her, showing her white even teeth. The man was gorgeous.
She was not used to this, it made her… uncomfortable. She began fidgeting and even picking at her food once it was served.
"I didn't think you would come round so fast" he whispered, a knowing glint in his eyes.
"I do not know what you are referring to, sir" she answered him, all the while staring at her food, not daring to look him.
"Oh, but I think you do. Don't worry, next time I shall refrain from drinking and I plan on fully enjoying your charms"
"Enjoying my charms? My lord, I truly do not know what you are talking about"
"Do not play coy, wife, you may have had your initial fears about our coupling since we barely know each other, but I have to congratulate you on setting your maidenly fears aside."
What was he talking about? Eve wondered as she took in his words. Surely not? Surely he did not think they… But he must, he must have seen her in his bed at some point, misunderstanding everything.
"No…"She started denying it but then she thought better. What if this way he considered their marriage consummated? What if he had no more reason to bother her for now? She could slowly get familiar with his touch… "No need, sir! I have realized the extent of my wifely duties and since consummating the marriage was one of them I had to comply." she said it in a small voice, trying to sound determined.
"But…"she raised her voice slightly and finally dared to look him in the eyes.
"Now that our contract has been sealed I have a favor to ask of you."
"Pray, tell me"
"I do not wish us to engage in… such activities for the moment. I may even be with child following our encounter so the heir matter could be easily settled." she felt bad for saying such a lie but it was necessary. His lips curled and she could not very well read his face.
"For the moment? "He asked.
"Yes, until we know each other better."
Christian saw her fidgeting and getting nervous by the second. It was so unlike the lady who had entered the room. That one had been determined, fearless, and majestic. Even now she wanted to look strong but her body language betrayed her. She was afraid. He could not picture why. Had he been rough with her last night? He couldn't remember for the hell of it. But as he looked again into her eyes. Those spring green eyes that were so deep he could lose yourself in them, he found himself nodding.
"Oh thank you my lord. I knew I could count on you" she said, beaming.
Damnation! He had just agreed to keep out of his wife's bed until further notice. Why was it that he did not have it in him to deny her? She was already playing him! The bitch… He had sworn a long time ago not to ever let a woman toy with him again. His mother's face briefly appeared before his eyes, sweetly demanding the assistance of her son to get away from her abusive husband. That night he had lost everything. His younger brother and his father, both of whom he had misjudged.
"My lord, are you all right? "Her voice startled him out of his reverie and he quickly assured her that nothing was wrong.
"I was hoping… you could give me a tour of the house? "She asked shyly.
"Yes, of course… but unfortunately not today. I have a meeting at the House of Lords that I have to attend but…"He added quickly as he saw the disappointment etched on her face.
"I can show you the library to distract yourself "
"That would be lovely. Thank you!"
After they finished eating, Christian showed her the library. She was astounded to find it so big for a townhouse. It was simply magnificent. She had always been a little bit of a bluestocking, but her father had drilled the Ton's hate for intelligent women in her so much that she had always lied when asked about favorite authors or books.
"I trust you shall be fine here by yourself" he said and turned on his heels and left.
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