Chapter 32

CHAPTER 32

S eraphina stood nervously in the corridor of Lady Stanton's townhouse.

She wasn't sure exactly what she was doing there. But, Seraphina, for her own peace of mind, really wanted to hear what it was that had motivated the dowager viscountess to behave in such a dishonorable manner—risking her standing and reputation, for what?

The other woman's butler appeared, "Lady Stanton will see you now, Your Grace," he said with a bow.

Seraphina nodded, following him to a small sitting room where Peggy was waiting. She sat on a purple armchair by the window, staring outside with her hand on her chin. Seraphina came to a stop in the middle of the room, unsure of how to proceed.

Peggy turned around suddenly and flashed her a smile. "Your Grace, I was not expecting you."

"I suppose I should have written ahead to warn you, but I just came here on the whim. I don't want to fight with you, but I would really love to know why you did that to us."

"I did nothing," Lady Stanton snapped.

"You sought to sow discord by leaving a letter in my drawer for my husband to find. A letter purporting to come from Lord Ruebridge. And you still maintain that you did nothing?"

"Even if I did manage to drop a letter and forget it at your house, I had no way of knowing who would read it or when. So, I cannot be blamed for someone else's actions."

Seraphina gave a cynical smile. "Very diabolical. Bravo. I suppose you will not be telling why you would do such a thing; and to someone who called you a friend?"

"I have told you I didn't do anything to you. Whatever accusations you have come up with because you fear my beauty and that your husband might be distracted by it, is none of my doing."

Seraphina laughed derisively. "I can see you're determined to play the innocent," she said, her tone icy. "But know this, Lady Stanton, I am not so easily fooled. Your little game may have caused chaos in my life, but I'm not the only one affected."

Peggy's eyes flickered with a hint of unease before she masked it with a practiced smile. "And what is that supposed to mean, Your Grace?"

"Gerard is not someone to be trifled with," Seraphina continued, her voice growing colder. "He is not a man who forgets easily. Your actions have stirred a storm, and storms have a way of sweeping through everything in their path."

Peggy's smile faltered for a split second before she regained her composure. "I assure you, I have no intention of being swept away. Your threats are empty."

Seraphina took a step closer, her gaze piercing. "You think so? Perhaps you're right, but I wouldn't be so sure. People like you tend to underestimate the consequences of their actions."

Peggy leaned back in her chair, her tone dismissive. "I am sure you have better things to do than to make idle threats. If you've come here simply to scold me, I suggest you save your breath."

Seraphina's voice lowered to a steely whisper. "I did not come here for idle threats, Peggy. I came here to let you know that your little charade has not gone unnoticed. Your actions will have repercussions, and I intend to ensure that you face them."

With a final, penetrating look, Seraphina turned on her heel, making her way to the door. As she reached it, she paused and looked back over her shoulder.

"Enjoy your time in the light, Lady Stanton. I hope it proves worth the shadow it will cast."

She wheeled on her heel and marched out on the room, feeling much relieved to be away from the other woman.

Gerard did not like waking up alone. Even though he had done it for so long, he realized he had become used to having his wife waking up by his side, whether they spent the night in his room or hers. He really did not understand why Seraphina insisted on staying with her father and sister until the wedding.

Sometimes he feared it was because she was not sure about returning to him despite their physical rapprochement. Every day he woke up, it was his first thought. Sometimes he dreamed of it. The way they slip slid against each other, tongues battling, fingers reaching.

He had not known that sex could be like that.

He did not understand how Seraphina could get up and say to him, "Much as I have enjoyed our time together, I must go back. We need to do this in the right way. I cannot focus on us until Tessa is wed, and safe away from my father."

Gerard opened his mouth to suggest that Tessa could also move in with them, but he realized that was not the point.

"Then let me help you." he said instead. "That way we can get her married faster."

Seraphina laughed. "I accept gladly. We are in dire need of it. Thank you."

He slipped out of bed and grabbed onto her. "Do not thank me. I have absolutely ulterior motives."

She had laughed, kissed him on the cheek before collecting her coat and leaving.

He watched her go mournfully and knew that he wasn't the only one in the house feeling abandoned. There was an air of gloom among the servants as well. He could well understand it because she had been their mistress in his absence for a year. Their loyalty was more towards her than him.

With a sigh, he decided to go to his office and answer some correspondence. It would help to pass the time Until he was reunited with Seraphina again.

What a mawkish fellow you have become. He jeered himself.

Somehow it did not stop him from missing her.

Seraphina was glad that there was so much to do, because it shocked her how much she missed her husband. She had thought that once they had cleared their misunderstanding, she would feel better, more settled. Instead she felt as if they were ants beneath her skin, waiting to consume her.

She waited eagerly every morning for the note that he would send, sometimes saying nothing but good morning and have a good day. They kept her going.

Tessa was quite thrilled by her descent into daydreaming calf love. "We can sigh about our men together," she said excitedly.

It only made Seraphina feel even more mortified.

Every day she and Tessa went to Hyde Park at four to promenade. Benjamin was always there waiting for Tessa, so that they might have half an hour to just talk. To Seraphina's surprise, Gerard also began to show up, taking her hand and walking her down to the lake, as Tessa and her fiancé talked together.

It made Seraphina's heart flutter, she hardly knew what to do with so much attention.

Gerard caught her up on everything that was happening at home. From the huge fight that the cook and the housekeeper had, to the secret affair between one of the footmen, and a maid next door.

"How do you know about all of this?" she asked him curiously, knowing that he did not pay that much attention to the staff.

"Howard has taken to updating me on my request. I told him that I am keeping you apprised of the goings on in the household and he was quite happy to oblige."

Seraphina's heart melted. "That is sweet of you to do. But you must nip that argument in the bud. We do not want the bad blood between those two women. It will permeate the entire household."

"Well then you should think about coming to mediate." He gave her a sly look.

"I cannot," she said sadly, "Not yet anyway. Soon. We only have one more week to the wedding. In the meantime, take a message to them from me. Tell them to remember that they are my left hand and my right. And between lies the fate of the household."

Gerard snorted. "That's a bit dramatic don't you think?"

She smiled. "It might be. But they will appreciate the sentiment."

"I will," Tessa said tearfully and Seraphina could not help crying along with her.

The wedding—three months after Mr. Larson's proposal—proved to be very emotional, the love between the bride and groom apparent and on display. Seraphina could not help sneaking glances to her own husband, who sat by her side, hands clasped in his lap.

Ever since they made love the other day, she'd felt shaky and off balance. She had not yet recovered from the explosion of emotion.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the pastor declared loudly, and Mr. Larson grabbed Tessa, kissing her amid the church's uproar.

Seraphina applauded them, exchanging a smile with Gerard. The couple turned and began to glide down the aisle, waving and smiling at guests.

Gerard offered Seraphina his arm and they followed the couple down the aisle. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father get to his feet. Although they had sat on the same bench, they were on opposite ends.

She had thought he would escort whatever woman he meant to marry to the wedding, but he was alone. They adjourned to the Larson Manor where a wedding breakfast was laid out.

"Are you sure you're fine with going to Lord Ruebridge's home?" Seraphina asked Gerard once again.

He nodded. "I am. It was just a misunderstanding and we both understand that." He smirked. "Besides, I promised Dorian I would behave."

Seraphina looked around, "Where is he?"

"He was sitting behind us. I expect he should be by in—" he stopped, catching sight of Dorian, just leaving the church in animated conversation with a deacon. "Ah, there he is."

They waited for Gerard's friend, who was riding with them in the carriage. He sat opposite them for the short ride to the Larson house, looking from one to the other.

"I must commend you both on your maturity," he said suddenly as they puttered along.

Gerard laughed. "In what way?"

"Well, there's no tension between you despite our destination."

"That's because there's nothing to be tense about, " Seraphina said emphatically.

Dorian nodded sagely, a grin on his face. "Indeed." He peered outside and saw that they were just drawing up at the gates of the property. "Hope they have a decent spread. Weddings make me hungry."

Seraphina inclined her head to the side, considering him closely. "Is that so? And what of your wedding? When can we expect you to walk down the aisle?"

"In due time. Patience is a virtue."

Seraphina leaned in to Gerard's shoulder. "Don't wait for too long. I'm sure Gerard would love for our children to grow up together."

Gerard's eyes widened. "Are you…saying…?"

"Oh!" Seraphina's eyes widened, "No! At least, not as far as I know."

Dorian chuckled, his head shaking as he peered out of the window.

"The pair of you are adorable," he said.