Willow awoke earlier then usual. Perhaps it was the excitement of going out to The Almonte or the nerves about going out in public for the first time with her husband that her up in a roar. But she was awake, and for the first time in three weeks, she was happy. She was happy to see Amy up as well and employed her help in getting ready.
Willow wasn’t much for getting prepared when she went out, but she decided to take care this morning. Taking the time she needed to prepare herself as best she knew how.
Nerves getting the better of her, she decided to take a look around the house. She hadn’t seen much of it, her absence from it quite frequent. She walked downstairs, finding the library first, past the waiting room. To her sweet surprise, the room was large and cozy, but held the authority that her husband exuburated. She skimmed though the volumes of books in the cases on the walls around her, quite impressed by the selection. She climbed up the imposed steps and reached for the book that caught her attention. But being much too petite, she stretched up as far as she could. That was until her hero came in.
“You might get hurt,” the unfamiliar voice spoke, surprising her. “Let me get that for you.”
Willow stepped down, smoothing down her dress.
“Thank you... but..”
“You must be the Countess,” he said with a smile.
“Yes.... I’m Countess Willow Countines...” she replied then blushed as she realized her mistake. “I mean Countess Willow Beroxe of Montegue.”
“A very beautiful countess,” he added with a dashing smile as he took her hand and raised it to his lips.
“Thank you... but I still do not know your name kind sir.”
“William de la Gray at your service,” he replied as he placed a kiss on her hand and lowered his head.
“A pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine, Countess. I’ve heard much about you.”
“Please, do not believe everything you hear......”
“I do not. But in this case, I must say so for a lovelier woman as you I have not met as yet.”
Willow blushed, never becoming accustomed to flattery.
“You are much too kind, Sir. If you’ll excuse me, I shall see if Angel is up...”
“I can wait, that’s not a problem. Amy was kind enough to see to that, I believe.”
“Then if you’d like to take a seat.....”
“Only if you’ll join me.”
Willow smiled and took her seat. William looked at the book in hand, then handed it to her.
“Poetry of the “other side”, William teased.
“Quite so... but Ireland is beautiful. I can understand how many poets are inspired to write such beautiful poetry there.”
“Have you been there?”
“Last year. My father sent me for a month for my birthday,” she replied with a smile.
“You like the country?”
“Very much. It’s so peaceful.”
“Angel loves it as well. He has an estate in Ireland and Wales. But he spends most of his time in Crestington.”
“Really?”
“Yes, he comes to London for.....”
“I thought I heard your rustic voice,” Angel interrupted.
They both stood as he entered, Willow hoping he found himself as pleased as his friend.
“Good morning, Willow.”
“Good morning my Lord.”
“I see you’ve met my beautiful wife,” he told William with a large smile.
“I have. She is as pleasant as she is beautiful. We were talking about you actually.”
“Really?”
“Nothing that would embarrass you too much. Didn’t get to the part were you used to wrestle down pigs,” William teased.
Willow couldn’t help but laugh at the comment.
“Perhaps we should leave,” Angel suggested as he pushed William a bit out of the study and gently took Willow’s hand in his.
“Ready?”
Willow simple smiled and nodded, her nerves once
again getting the best of her to speak.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Angel looked at Willow across the coach who seemed to be in deep thought. She did occasionally smile or laugh at a comment or two that William said or he himself did, but she was not with them. She stared out the window, silent and in deep thought. He wasn’t sure quite what to make out of it, only wishing what he knew what she was thinking. The ride wasn’t long and as soon as they arrived, Angel privately asked William to wait for them outside.
Right on cue, William excused himself. But before Willow could follow, Angel stopped her, taking her hand and sitting next to her.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, I am well. Why do you ask?”
“You seemed.... nothing. It seems to be healing well,” he said as he caressed her cheek with his fingers.
“I believe so.”
“Willow, do you not want to be here?” he asked her, not sure why she was being so.... rigid with him.... nothing like last night.
“It is not that..... I want to be here, I’m just not sure what to expect.”
“If it worries you so..”
“I worry for you more. I am use to talk, not as grave as this... but you....”
“I’ve never cared what other people say..”
“Nor I...”
“Then you have nothing to worry . Come on. Let’s get us a spot, before they are all filled.”
They left, joining William at the entrance, standing alone, completely bored.
“It was about time,” he muttered to Angel.
His reply was a simple hit in the ribs with his elbow. They entered the hall, walking through the stares they received. They ignored them as best they could and walked out into the court. Both gentlemen escorted Willow to a table with a good view of the horse range.
“Looks like it might rain,” Willow said as they took their seats.
“Looks like Lady Gardon eyes is, um.. blacker then usual,” William commented.
Angel looked over, as Willow looked down at her hands.
“I’ll be right back. Will you stay with Willow?” Angel asked.
Willow looked at him confused.
“My pleasure.”
Willow looked on as Angel made his way to Lady Gardon’s table a bit horrified.
“Nice right hook,” William commented as he looked at Lady Gardon once more.
Willow looked at him pale.
“How did you...?”
“Word travels fast. But I do believe they both deserved it,” he simple answered.
Willow gave him a small smile and turned her
attention back to her husband.
* * * * * * * * * * *
“Pardon me, Lady Gardon. My name is Angelus Beroxe of Montegue...”
“Ah yes, Count Beroxe. Please take a seat.... my daughter has been meaning to meet you and...”
“My apologies, but I cannot stay for long. I do not wish to keep my wife waiting.”
“Oh.. you here with...”
“The countess, my wife. I see you have already met her. I’m sure she left quite an.. impression on you...”
Lady Gardon touched her eye, not aware it was so visible.
“Well... yes...”
“I just wanted to come by and inform you and Lady Sutherfield that such lies of my wife and accusations will not be permitted. You see, Lady Gardon, I very much protect and take care of those I hold dear, one of which is my wife. I can assure you that if any of your words are repeated or even hinted at again.... you will not only deal with my wife’s actions but my own.”
The large middle aged woman would only huff a bit, taken by complete surprise by his words.
“I shall be more cautious,” she replied, knowing just how much power this man had.
“Then I thank you for your time and understanding. It was a pleasure speaking with you. Please give my regards to Ingrid.”
That was enough to spark Lady Gardon’s interest again.
“She should not be long...”
“I’m sure she will not. I am sure Ingrid will make a pleasant wife, but not as wonderful as mine. Good day.”
“Good day,” she muttered, trying to cover up her embarrassment.
Angel left, rejoining his wife and friend.
“How did it go?” William asked amused.
“Let’s just say I put her in her place,” he replied as he sat down and looked at Willow who looked rather surprised.
“It seems the game is about to start,” William said as he looked on and saw the horses being taken out.
“Then you two should get going,” Willow told them with a smile.
They both stood up, thankful she had suggested it. They weren’t sure if she wanted to be left alone.
“By the look of the weather, I am sure we won’t be long,” Angel replied bent down and placed a kiss on her cheek.
Willow could only blush, not sure what the wifely thing to do was.
“We won’t be long.”
She nodded and saw them leave, taking a deep breath. She looked around, not really knowing much of the faces around her. She was never part of the ton. Now even less. She was more of an outsider then before. She saw her husband mount and did hope he did not take long. She did her best to ignore the countless stares she received, but as much as she did not much care for their opinions, she did value her parents. She hoped once news came to them they could understand why she did what she did.
“You must be Angel’s wife.”
The voice awoke Willow from her thoughts and turned to see who had greeted her in such a manner.
“Jennifer Debuge,” Willow replied with slight narrowing in her eyes.
“Countess Willow Countines.”
“Countess Willow Beroxe of Montegue,” she corrected her with a coldness in her voice she did not know she could muster.
“Yes, well, I never thought I’d see the day I saw my Angelus marry.”
Willow remained looking at her coldly, not wanting to have this conversation with her.
“Not very talkative, but neither is Angel. He is more of a man of... actions and touch then words..... but you should know that.”
“Quite well,” she lied.
Jenny smiled, not sure if she was getting to her.
“If I may join you?” Jenny asked, knowing she would be quite amused with her.
“Actually, I am waiting for someone,” Willow quickly replied, wondering who she could name.
“And who you’d what be?” she asked casually.
Before Willow would panic someone replied.
“That would be I.”
Jenny turned to see one of the women she greatly disliked.
“If you would be so kind as to excuse us,” she told her as she took her seat in front of Willow with a smile.
Willow was thankful and relieved.
“Please do say hello to him for me. It has been a long time since I have seen him. I shall take my leave.”
“Please do,” the woman asked, showing her slight dislike of the woman.
Once she left with a smirk, Willow thanked her.
“Thank you so much.”
“I really do hate that woman.”
Willow looked at her a bit surprised.
“I am sorry, my manners. Run away from me at times. I am Lady Anya LeBlanc.”
“Countess Willow Beroxe of Montegue. A pleasure to meet you Lady Le Blac.”
“Anya, please. Not much for titles myself. I like it rather simple really.”
“I quite understand.”
“So, which of those handsome men on horseback is yours?” she asked frankly.
Willow pointed out her husband, adding a name to the face.
“From Crestington?”
“Yes. Do you know him?”
“No, but my residence is about three miles from his estate. A small world, do you not think?”
“I am staring to think so. And yours?”
Anya pointed him out.
“Jesse Le Blac. Been his love slave for about a year now.”
Willow blushed, never knowing someone so frank before.
“And you?”
“A month.”
“Arranged or at first sight.”
“Well, both if you really think about it.”
“So I have heard.”
“I fear what you hear is not always true.”
“ ‘Tis true, so I do hope you will join Jesse and I for dinner this evening.”
“I shall try my best to attend..”
“Good. I like you Willow. You aren’t like the rest of the sobs here.”
“Thank you.”
“Now, if I could only find that girl.”
“Who?”
“A ghost who is staying in my house. I’ve seen her a handful of times since we’ve arrived. She likes to wander.”
“I hope you find her.”
“As I. I do hope you will be able to come tonight. Here, my card.”
Willow gladly accepted the card and thanked her
once before she left. Willow was again left alone with her thoughts as
she looked to find her husband’s familiar face.
* * * * * * * * * * *
“I never imagined you had it so good,” William commented to Angel as they waited for their turn to participate in the sport.
Angel turned back his attention to his friend, not aware he had been staring at his wife.
“What?”
“Nothing... You do realize she is lovely.”
“Yes, I sort of noticed,” he replied as he rolled his eyes.
“And nice to speak to. I also found she is fond of books.”
“Really?”
“And loves Ireland. Went there last summer, actually. Spent a month in the country.”
“And how the devil do you know all this?” Angel asked a bit bothered.
“Spoke to her. Has a lovely voice too.”
Angel looked back at his wife who sat alone and content.
“You also don’t seem the only one who can’t stop staring at her.”
Angel turned to scan the field looking for the person William was talking about.
“The chaps been looking at her since we came out here.”
Angel eyes turned a bit dark as the gentlemen stared at her intently, then dismounted. He looked on as he saw the stranger head over to Willow.
William was surprised to see Willow stand and walk away from the gentleman, but was taken by the hand and stopped. She pulled away and headed to the garden, not waiting for the stranger as he followed her.
“Seems the chaps persistent,” William told Angel.
But he was already gone.
* * * * * * * * * * *