As the shopkeeper babbled in thanks, Leo scribbled his direction on a piece of paper. Then he strode from the shop. He was known as the Demon of the Exchange. Today, he would be the Demon of Vengeance.
Anne accepted the dish of tea from Lady Kirton with a murmured thanks. She and the countess sat in a little parlor, a small table bearing an even smaller plate of biscuits between them. Anne nibbled on one of the biscuits. It was stale.
The parlor itself was a fine enough room, with a portrait of Lady Kirtons favorite spaniel taking pride of place on the wall, but it was clear this room was not often used for entertaining callers. A larger, more elegant chamber served more frequently for guests. Anne had seen it as she had been led up by the footman. She did not merit the better parlor.
Married life must agree with you, my dear. Lady Kirton eyed Anne over the rim of her dish. I have seldom seen you looking so well. Though you do appear a little tired.
Anne fought not to blush. She did feel different today, weary but full of wild energy. It was all she could do to keep seated.
Images from the previous nightand early this morningkept stealing into her thoughts. Leos hands. His mouth. His ... cock. All bringing her pleasure. And she had given him pleasure, too.
He had kept her thoroughly, deliciously occupied, and if that had not exhausted her, then her troubling dream would have. Normally, when she did recall her dreams, they faded over the course of the day. Not so this one. Anne could still feel sticky blood on her feet, could describe in detail every pleat in the Roman priestesss gown, and remembered all that had been said.
He has never seen the Dark Ones true face. And on the day he does, it will be too late.
Mrs. Bailey?
Annes attention snapped back to the present. Apologies, my lady. Indeed, I am a little weary, but I find your company altogether delightful.
The first weeks of marriage can be quite taxing. The older woman spoke from wellsprings of experience. In time, the novelty wears off, and we wives are left in blessed peace.
Anne hoped not. The more she knew of Leo, the more of him she wanted. And it seemed the feeling was mutual.
How very different her marriage was from others of her class! How full of wonderful potential! It exceeded her every expectation.
Yet her memories were darkened by the dream that had followed. That temple. The images of an evil being bringing death and destruction. And the awful storm being slammed into her body.
Anne gulped at her tea, striving for warmth. I have heard that a husbands interest wavers.
If one is fortunate. Lady Kirton smiled thinly. Having met the ill-tempered Lord Kirton, Anne could understand why it was preferable to keep him at a distance.
For the present, Anne said, I do enjoy having my husbands favor.
The countess sniffed. Though he lacks any sort of breeding, when it comes to fortune and appearance, your husband is generously endowed.
It took Annes supreme force of will to keep from saying something extremely unpleasant. She had a purpose here, and could not allow herself distractions.
Though I know in time he will behave as all men do, in the interim I strive to keep things amusing between us. She affected a conspiratorial giggle. Shall I tell you how?
Lady Kirtons veneer of polite boredom fell away, and she leaned in close. Yes, do.
I like to play little practical jokes on him.
Though clearly this was not quite the response the countess had been hoping for, she still looked interested. Practical jokes?
Mr. Bailey is so very observant. It amuses me to see what he does and does not notice. For example, I replace his brandy with sherry and his Bordeaux with burgundy.
Im surprised a man of his pedigree knows the difference.
Anne dug her nails into her hand to stop herself from slapping Lady Kirton. He notices. And there is another trifling game I like to play. She edged closer and lowered her voice. Money is indeed a pressing concern of his.
Naturally, drawled the countess.
Anne forced her bared teeth into a semblance of a smile. He often keeps coins in the table beside the bed. Its extremely droll to replace the coins with the exact same amount, but in different denominations, and then wait to see if he recognizes the discrepancy. Observe. From her purse, she pulled a handful of coins. I have here a thruppence and two shillings. I shall use them to replace the six hapennies and two tanners that I know my husband keeps in his desk. Or, she said, perhaps you might like to try the same little jape on Lord Kirton.
The countess sat back, stunned. I? On Lord Kirton?
With such an amusing trick, it might rekindle some of the newlyweds spirit in your husband.
Lady Kirton looked dubious. Truly?
La, yes. Anne giggled. I assure you, whenever Mr. Bailey catches on to my jest, it puts him into a very agreeable humor.
The countess considered this, tapping one finger against her chin. Some faded memory of past passion must have revived, for her pale cheeks turned pink. At last, she said, Perhaps I shall.