The sting Eva had felt of seeing her future husband pat some doxy on the rump in public view had softened somewhat. They would soon be arriving at her new home. She was anxious about meeting his Mother and sister. He had indicated they were not of a friendly disposition. They turned down a tree lined lane and soon the stone walls of his home came into view. It was of Baroque architecture, and beautiful. It made her feel like a bride of old being brought to marry her knight. She laughed at herself, how silly. Before the carriage had come to a halt she spotted him. He was awaiting her on the steps of his home and she was quickly reminded of how handsome a man he was and how the site of him affected her. His entire staff awaited their arrival. He assisted her Aunt, Pen and herself from the carriage.
“I hope your trip was uneventful.”
“It was, thank you.”
Seeing him again, touching him, she completely forgot she had ever been upset by what she had seen in town that day. He would be hers soon and she would do everything in her power to make him forget any other woman. She thought he must have seen the spark of determination in her eyes for he suddenly seemed a bit wary. “I would like to present my staff. If you have need of anything they are happily at your service.”
Eva scanned the faces and she took note they were all smiling and eager to help.
“I am sure you all are weary from your trip. Our housekeeper, Agatha, will see you all to your rooms and I will join you for dinner and introduce you to my Mother and sister.” He took her hand.
“You, I will escort myself, if Mr. Bell approves.”
“Of course, of course.”
She followed him silently. He approached a room with a single door adjacent to what she assumed was the masters chamber with beautiful carved double doors. He opened the door to her chamber and he motioned for her to enter. It was beautiful. A huge poster bed dominated the room. It had a small sitting area with two large windows overlooking the garden, a dressing table, two chairs before a fireplace and an enormous wardrobe.
“Is the chamber to your liking? Of course you may change anything that does not suit you.”
“It is truly beautiful, Mr. Butler.”
“I thought you may wish to pick your own maid amongst the staff, but for tonight Mary will see to your needs. She will come to you shortly. I am sure you would like to rest so I will leave you.”
A single door lay across the room and caught her interest. “Where does that door go?”
He looked somewhat sheepish. “It goes into my chamber.”
She thought as much. “So this is to be my chamber once we are married as well.”
“Yes, the decoration had not been updated so I asked Mary to see to it.”
“Thank you, she did a magnificent job.”
He seemed to soften a bit. “You are welcome. I will see you at dinner.”
She realized she was capable of making a crack in his normally icy exterior. She wondered what it would take to melt him entirely.
Tags: Historical, Romance
