As they rode back she noticed a significant switch in his mood. What they had just shared had been so intense, she assumed it had shaken him. She wanted to bask in the feel of what he just gave her. When they arrived at the stables, a carriage was pulling down the lane. A neighbor she assumed. Eric’s spirits seemed to lift. He jumped from the horse and pulled her down after as a groom took his mount. He took hold of her hand and practically had her running to keep up behind him. A man similar in age to Eric, and quite handsome, but not nearly as so as Eric, climbed down and gave him a big hug.
“Eric, I heard you had come home.” he flashed a big smile.
“Who, may I inquire, is this magnificent creature my friend?”
Their guest bowed and brought her hand to his mouth.
“Ben, this is my wife, Eva.”
“Wife!” He made as though he nearly fell.
“How did you do it young lady? Never mind, I can see perfectly how you did it.” His gaze raked her up and down. “You are beyond compare.”
Eric looked a little uncomfortable with his friends blatant perusal.
“Oh come now Eric, you cannot deny me a gaze, after you have stolen her, a gift to men as she is.”
He held up his hands as in surrender.
“All right I see how it is, the wife is off limits.”
Their guest turned to look at her again.
“I am sorry darling, it appears your husband is a bit stingy. Since he is not going to introduce me properly, I will introduce myself. Benson Frasier, at your service, but my friends call me Ben.”
He leaned towards her and whispered “When we can slip away from this brute.”
Once in the house, Eric dismissed her. Much to the surprise of his guest. Ben’s eyes met hers, and she realized her husband’s friend saw the sting she felt.
Tags: Historical, Love, Romance
