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)
She was right. I usually had my ear to the wall, seeking to know as much as possible. But now: “He takes up a lot of my thoughts and time.”
“Does he make you happy, though?”
I couldn’t help but grin as I nodded. “Very much.”
“Well, I guess in the end, that is all that matters.”
“You do not think me vain, only desiring to marry him because he is a prince?”
She chuckled. “If I’m being honest, when I heard the news, for the briefest of seconds I thought it to be the case.”
“Apparently I’m the one who needs to fix my reputation, if everyone thinks so lowly of me.”
“It was only for a second.” She squeezed my hand. “Then I remembered who you really are, and how much love means to you. I am so happy for you, Hathor.”
“I am very happy for me, too. But let’s not talk only of me, what of you? Are you pregnant yet?”
“Hathor!”
“What? Is that not the logical next step for you both?”
“You should not know about—”
“Oh please, spare me that married act now. You’ve already told me far too much, and I’ve experienced enough.”
“Have you? Lady Hathor.” She giggled, nudging me.
“Oh hush, and stop avoiding the question.”
“Theodore and I are waiting.”
“Waiting? On what?”
“When the idea does not scare me so much. I keep thinking of my own mother. Luckily, he understands, as he’s seen many women die in childbirth. It is so tragic. I often wonder why.”
“So, women can prevent themselves from getting pregnant?” I did not know such things were possible.
“He makes me a drink. It tastes awful, but so far it has worked. I think, in the next year or so, I shall be ready.”
I had never heard of such a thing. And I had the mind to ask. But what did it matter? Wilhelm and I were to be married soon and I did not mind the thought of bearing his children.
“I hear we are about to be aunts,” she added, taking me from my thoughts.
“Ah, right. Aphrodite is pregnant, I’d almost forgotten.”
“Hathor!”
“What? I heard. I sent her a letter congratulating her, and she sent one back telling me to visit, but I have been busy, obviously.”
“You at least told her of the engagement.”
I did not reply.
“Hathor.”
“Stop staying my name like that. No, I did not tell her. I was not sure how to write it. It felt as if it would be boastful.”
“Do you not wish to boast? You have finally gotten your victory.”
“That’s the thing, Verity. He’s more than some victory or tally to use against my sister. I don’t want her to think I’m using him that way.”
“Wow, you are changed. Love is truly powerful—”
“Theodore? Verity? Hathor?”
We all paused as none other than Henry Parwens called out to us from where he stood in the park. As always, he was loud and a towering figure of man, with broad shoulders and short hair.
“I did not realize you all were here,” his voice boomed as he came up to us.
“Yes, we came to visit Lady Hathor and the rest of the Du Bells,” Sir Darrington said as he stepped forward, taking his hand. “I did not think you were here either.”
“Long story, my friend. Verity, how are you? And, Hathor, I need not ask, of course. Your name is all anyone can speak of at my house.” He chuckled, looking at Wilhelm before bowing to him. “Hello, Your Highness, I am Henry Parwens. I am told you’ve met my family already.”
Wilhelm glanced to me.
“This is Lady Amity’s elder brother,” I informed him.
“Ah, hello, sir.” Wilhelm shook his hand.
“I apologize for whatever my sister may or may not have done.”
“Apology not accepted.” I huffed, crossing my arms. “Amity ought to apologize herself.”
“So, she did do something?” Henry questioned.
“Honestly, I cannot recall, but nevertheless it is her responsibility, not yours, Henry. It is good to see you, though. You seemed to be hiding all year.”
“Believe me, that is an even longer story.” He groaned and smiled, shaking his head, when all of a sudden I felt Wilhelm very close to my side.
“You did not join your family at the Du Bells’ estate. I take it you are not married, then, Mr. Parwens?” Wilhelm asked him randomly. And I was not sure what happened, but it was as if someone had snapped their fingers in Henry’s face. His eyes widened for the briefest of seconds, before he stepped back and calmly shook his head.
“No, Your Highness. I am not yet married, and I could not imagine myself joining the Du Bells. Lady Hathor and the rest of those young ladies are more like my younger sisters.”
“Henry, may I speak to you for a moment?” Sir Darrington said to him.
“Excuse me,” he said to us before he, Verity, and Sir Darrington stepped to the side.