Total pages in book: 115
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107763 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“That was a much better response.” Quickly, I broke out of his arms and reached back to grab Sofonisba’s reins.
“Anything to please you, my dear.” I nearly tripped from how he said that. He laughed at me. “What? Is that not how husbands address their wives?”
“We are not married—yet! I still need to speak to my mama and papa about all of this.” I couldn’t even say the words in seriousness, as my smile was wide.
“Yes, I know.” His voice trailed off, a small frown upon his lips. However, before I could ask him why, the castle came into view—and the carriage in front of it. It wasn’t arriving, but leaving. Lord Covington and his family were speaking to my parents at the entrance, and when my mother’s eyes shifted to me—us—so did all their eyes.
“I shall take the horses in while you speak to them,” Wilhelm said to me gently, taking the reins from me.
I did not want to, but I knew I had to, now that they had all spotted me. Inhaling through my nose, I lifted my head high and began to walk toward what would no doubt be a very awkward encounter.
“Good day to you both,” I heard Lord Covington say when I reached them. He tried to pass me quickly, but I could still see the bruising around his nose and eye, which had turned purple and yellow in color. It looked utterly horrid and painful.
“Lord Covington, I—”
“Spare me, truly, Lady Hathor,” he scoffed, exhaling as he allowed me to look upon his face clearly. The kindness he’d shown me before was gone, and now it seemed as if he wished to spit in my face. “Nothing can be said. Your choice is clear. Do not pity me; it is I who pity you, for you have no idea what you have brought upon yourself. I could have afforded you a much more peaceful and uncomplicated life. My face will heal; your future, however—”
“Is my own to decide,” I snapped, not at all liking his tone. Was this what he was truly like? That he assumed he could determine what my future would be or could have been was preposterous. “We appreciated your company this week. Good day, sir.”
“Mhh,” he muttered, nodding to me before entering the carriage.
“Your ladyship, my lord. Thank you for this week,” Mary and Emma said, both of them curtsying to my parents. Mary spun quickly toward the carriage with her chin turned up, avoiding all eye contact with me.
“They will get over it in time,” Emma whispered to me.
I gave her a doubtful look. “Will they really?”
“No, never. But you’ll be a princess, and they will not be able to be inhospitable. Congratulations, Hathor,” Emma replied.
“Thank you. Return safely,” I said. She nodded before entering the carriage as well.
“We thank you again for your wonderful hospitality, Lady Monthermer, and look forward to the coming—celebrations, Lord Monthermer,” the Dowager Lady Covington said to my parents, giving them a tight smile. When she walked past me, she paused, her big green eyes peering over me. “Lady Hathor.”
“Your ladyship.” I curtsied before her.
She took my hand, petting it as she led me over to her carriage. With my back turned to my parents, she said, “My children have lost, this week, but that is no matter. Their lives will go on, truly unaffected. But you, sweet child—you shall never be the same. So I shall give you this small piece of advice, to show we harbor no hard feelings.” She smiled, but it did not feel warm. “Be very mindful of your steps from now on, for all the eyes of England are on you, my dear. And with eyes, come mouths.”
She gave my hand another tight squeeze before letting go and joining her children inside. I waited for the footman to close the door and the driver to pull off before I turned back to my parents. I was not sure what expression I was expecting, but the one they gave me was not it. They looked at me so sadly.
“What is the matter?”
“Come, my girl. We shall speak.” My mama offered her hand to me, and I took it, allowing her to lead me inside.
I looked past her as my father muttered something to the footmen and kept pace behind me. The other guests were only just arising and moving about the grounds. It was still a bit early, and I was sure today was the day everyone was preparing for their return to London. Clementina came down the stairs. She waved when she saw me, but paused, clearly noticing the seriousness of my parents’ demeanor as well. She gave me a look that meant, What is happening? I just smiled and entered the piano room behind my parents.
“Am I overly excited, or do you both just seem more grim than expected?” I asked, moving to sit down.