Chapter 12: Not Your Frightened Bride

Agnes brought no plate to the family gathering.

She brought a shawl instead, which was an improvement until I found the cushions beneath it.

I put them on the sofa before anybody could sit.

Elspeth took one and tucked it behind her back.

"Excellent," she said.

"My family meetings rarely provide comfort."

Lucan stood beside the fireplace without his formal coat.

He'd asked me in the passage whether I was willing to attend.

I'd said yes because I wanted to answer my aunt where she couldn't quietly reinterpret me.

He'd looked worried and let me make the choice.

I liked that enough to want to kiss him.

We were still learning how to want each other while being angry.

Roderick had invited the same village guests and several household workers.

He called them witnesses to the family's good faith.

Winnie offered them chairs before offering anyone tea.

I watched one woman sit without looking to him for permission.

It felt like a small victory I hadn't expected to enjoy.

My aunt stood beside my shoulder.

"If you feel overcome," she whispered, "I'm here."

"So am I," I told her.

She didn't understand the answer yet.

Roderick lifted his glass.

It held red wine.

Lucan looked at the glass, then deliberately looked at the people in the room.

I saw what it cost him to keep his attention there.

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