Midnight Rain:

Chapter 28: James's Words of Action:

After Anthony and Evelina got out of the bathtub, Evelina got dressed into her light blue nightgown with a softer blue, almost white robe overtop. Anthony had changed back into his trousers and a white shirt that he did not button all the way. The maids braided Evelina's hair to keep it tame for the next morning while Anthony sat on the ottoman in front of their bed.

"I do not know. I'm sure my mother will love anything you add to the home. It is your home now, too." Anthony shrugged, leaning forward as he smiled at his wife, who he was looking at through her vanity mirror.

"I am not adding to your home without your mother's permission. This was her home first. And I just wanted to add more to the garden. I love flowers, and a house always looks beautiful with a full and colorful garden." Evelina said as her lady's maid, Jane, tied up her braid with a white bow.

"Well, you are now the viscountess... So if you want to do something, then you have my blessing to do it." He smirked, getting up from the ottoman to kneel down next to her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Anthony was blind to what his feelings were. He was mixing the intentions of his duty and the purpose of this marriage with his pleasures of finding a woman he could have any way he wanted her. He was replacing the void he felt when Siena broke it off. He was finding these odds days more enjoyable because he was having his fun again.

But Evelina was naive. She was only told about what love matches meant. When a gentleman proclaims his intentions to love and cherish his wife. Evelina was sheltered. She only had her mother, her sick father, and her siblings. She grew up close to her parents because her siblings were much more grown and distant from her. But when her father started to get "sicker," she leaned more on her mom, who pushed the idea of finding someone who would love you regardless. She only assumed that Anthony was a close friend now. They were doing their duty. She was oblivious to Anthony's intentions for his marital act. She was clueless that Anthony did not love her, nor did she understand that they were just feeling a void and claiming it as something else.

What a perfect match...

"Shall we go find some sweets in the kitchen?" Anthony asked, kissing her cheek.

"Certainly, my lord. Shall I change into a dressing gown?" She asked, looking down at her thin nightgown.

"You have a robe... I see no problem with it." Anthony smirked, standing up as he offered her his hand.

Just as the two of them were heading to the kitchen, James walked in with the footman.

"Lord Hanover, my lord," Humboldt told the couple, who stopped, surprised to see James.

"James, what are you doing here? I assumed you would have gone to the soiree at the Danbury house." Evelina said, adjusting her robe to ensure that she was covered more than just her thin nightgown.

"I was on my way, Your Highness... But I came by to see Benedict. I needed his help with some matters of issues." James said, looking down at his riding gloves.

"Oh, he is not home," Evelina said, looking at Anthony.

"I believe he went to Will Mondrich's club," Anthony said, standing a bit in front of his wife.

"Thank you, Lord Bridgerton... I shall be on my way then." James said, turning to leave the room without another word.

"That was odd..." Evelina said, furrowing her brows.

"Indeed, it was."