She looks skittish, like a colt that might bolt any minute. He took a step toward her and she leaned away a tiny bit, but didn’t move her feet.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

They had eaten at the wedding breakfast and he had instructed his housekeeper to have a late supper ready for them to eat in their rooms later, but he wanted to say something.

“No, I am well, thank you,” she replied.

What was wrong with her? She seemed suddenly so scared and quiet. This was not the Elizabeth he knew. Perhaps she was still upset about the night before? Should they discuss it? Now?

“Elizabeth, I have wanted to tell you all day, but there never seemed a moment, or any real privacy, but I have wanted to tell you that I am sorry for upsetting you last night. Especially as it was the night before our wedding.”

She looked up at him warily, unsure of his motives.

“Are you sorry we quarreled, or sorry about your behavior?”

“My behavior?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Yes! You know what I mean, Fitzwilliam, please don’t make us go through it again. You were rude to my relations. I want to know if you are sorry about that or if you still think they are beneath your notice and only said I may continue to see them because men agree to things that they later regret while they are kissing women!”

How does she know such a thing?

His confusion must have shown on his face for she said, “Remember? You said that you would give me anything I asked for if I kissed you.”

She smirked and he flushed red.

“Are you saying you were not sincere in your affection last night, but were only acting a part to manipulate me into doing something you wanted?” he cried.

She flushed. “No. I am merely reminding you of something you said to me. I was sincere in my affection, as I always am. You were very… compelling.” She finished quietly and looked down before raising her head again to glare at him. “That does not mean I am not also upset with you.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose. This was not at all how he had envisioned his wedding night proceeding.

“What do you want from me, Elizabeth? Please, just tell me.” He sighed in exasperation.

She clenched her teeth and finally bit out, “I want you to be kind to my family. I want you to get to know them and learn to respect them on their own merits, of which there are many. I want them to be welcome in our homes and for you not to restrict me from going to theirs. That is what I want.”