“Done. Now may we put this behind us?” he said quickly in clipped tones. He’d almost said, “Now may we get on with it?” but he stopped himself before making such a foolish blunder.

She sighed and shook her head. This wasn’t going well at all. This day had been wearing, as had the week leading up to it, and the night was to be filled with new and possibly painful and definitely strange experiences. She truly did not wish to begin in such an inauspicious manner.

“Fitzwilliam, might I beg a reprieve?” she asked tiredly.

“A what?” he cried, shock evident in his tone.

“I am exhausted, it has been a very long day, and I would very much like to not begin our married life in a quarrel or with harsh feelings between us. It does not engender warmth.”

He huffed and looked to the side, knowing she had a point. He also knew that he agreed with her; he did not wish to begin tempestuously either. But how had they gotten here? Things had gone terribly wrong.

He heard his uncle’s voice in his head. “How you handle this night will long define your relationship with your wife. A man who is warm and loving will be welcomed by his wife with open arms. A man who is quick and cold will be met by dread. Which do you want to be?”

Was she already dreading this part of their relationship before it even began? He purposely gentled his tone and forced his rigid posture to relax somewhat. Entice, do not demand.

“Elizabeth, I know it has been a trying time lately, for you especially. I propose we start over. How does that sound to you?”

“Start over?” she questioned.

“Yes. Why don’t you lie down and rest for a bit, and I will return in an hour or so. Will that suit you?”

She looked toward the window where the sun was nearly hidden and then looked back at him skeptically. “You will return in an hour?”

“Yes, if you wish it.”

“Very well. I will see you in one hour.” She stood waiting for him to leave so she could climb into the very comfortable-looking bed, but he just looked at her expectantly.

Finally, he took her hand and guided her to the edge of the bed. She climbed up onto it and he tucked the covers around her before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“Sleep well, my love,” he whispered.

She snuggled into the blanket and within a few minutes was fast asleep.

~

A short time later, Elizabeth woke just as her dressing room door closed. She noticed a tray with a fresh pot of tea near the empty fireplace and rose to refresh herself and make a cup. She was just taking her first sip when the door to their shared sitting room opened and Fitzwilliam stepped in quietly.