1.7 Catherine
12:35 PM | Posted by
Unknown
The knock on my door snaps me back to this reality.
How long have I been daydreaming?
I turn from my bedroom window and regard the door. "You may enter,” I say.
A moment passes. The door opens and William walks in.
I imagine I look as shocked to see him, as he is to see me. "You're back early."
"My trip was cut short. I decided to return." He looks around the room then rests his eyes on mine. "I hear you discovered your wedding present."
I cannot contain the smile that stretches over my face. I feel the words rush out. "Oh she is just so beautiful. And strong! And kind. Yesterday she showed me what she could really do! Although I still believe she is holding back. But each day I push her a bit more and it always surprises me...” The look on William's face stops the avalanche of words. I have never seen him look like that before.
Shocked? Surprised? But why?
In reality, this is the most I have spoken to him since we have been married. I suppose he had no idea what to expect when he came in here.
"I am glad you are pleased." His words still sound strained, but his face relaxes slightly. He turns to leave and stops. "I will be taking my dinner here tonight." He turns to look at me again. "Would you like to join me?"
I open my mouth to respond but stop when he adds "I will have an update for you on Jack’s condition by then." I nod in agreement. Part of me actually wishes I could have accepted before the bribe.
As he turns to leave, his eyes travel to my bed. A small wooden box sits open on it and toothpicks are scattered on the sheets.
"A new collection?" He raises one eyebrow.
"It's nothing." I move to the bed, scoop up the remaining slivers and toss them in the box before closing the lid tight.
Shaking his head once, William turns and leaves the room. As the door clicks behind him I push thoughts of Jack, William and even James out of my head. Storing the box in its hiding place, my thoughts are only of Elpis. Since I moved her to the main stables, it's like I can feel her impatience if there are any delays in my visit to her each morning.
I smile. I feel like an adventure.
Today we ride into town.
