He held her a little distance away from him and observed her while she played with the lapels of his dressing gown. Finally, she spoke.

“Can you tell me why you thought I was avoiding you? And what offense you have taken at my dressing gown?” she asked, confused.

He flushed. “You have been quiet. It is unlike you and you have also usually worn… different types of gowns to bed and coupled together I thought you were trying to put me off.”

He flushed a bit and looked around self-consciously and she understood it cost something of his pride to make the confession.

“Oh. I see. Well, since we are being honest, I was trying to put you off,” she said to the floor.

He stiffened beneath her palms and his hands clenched where they held her elbows.

“You see, I have not been feeling well because, because my time is here,” she said quietly.

“Your time?”

“Yes. My courses. Are you familiar with such things?”

“Oh, I hadn’t realized. Naturally you would, I don’t know why I didn’t think,” he trailed off, embarrassed.

“Yes, well, I shall feel better in a few days, but for now, I ache in my middle and have a headache and not much patience I’m afraid.” At his dismayed expression, she added, “It is not always so painful. Most are not so bad, but I think this one is exacerbated by the travel and perhaps all the excitement of late.”

He nodded. “I feel dreadful, Elizabeth. What a terrible husband I’ve been, and we’ve only just begun!”

“Do not say such things,” she said firmly but kindly. Her hand stroked his cheek as she continued. “I could have told you earlier and avoided this misunderstanding. I was embarrassed and didn’t know how to have such a conversation with a man, let alone one with such intimate access to my person.” She blushed at her speech but held his gaze.

He placed his hand over hers on his cheek and smiled at her lovingly. “Is there anything I can do for your comfort? Anything you require?”

“I have asked for everything I need and hopefully the servant will bring it soon,” she replied.

“Oh, that reminds me, the maid said they have what you requested and will bring it later this evening.”

“Very good. It is a most inconvenient time to be without my maid!”

“That was also my idea because I wanted you all to myself. Is there no end to my selfishness?”

“Stop it, Fitzwilliam! I didn’t know this would happen. If I had, I would have asked to keep the servants with us. You must understand that I am no child who needs everything done for her. If I need something, I can and will say something. You mustn’t take care of me like an infant. All right?” she said firmly.