"So, I'm so glad to know you aren't the prissy woman everyone seems to think you are." Carter looked up from the meal.
"I, I, er, well, I suppose that can be expected. I've spoken to no one except Liam and my household staff since James' death. I suppose that once I'd outcast myself, the rumour mill would of course start circulating again." I smiled before eating a piece of the tender and beautifully seasoned shredded beef in front of me. "This is absolutely delicious, My Lord."
"Carter." He corrected.
"Oops, yes," I smiled. "Carter."
"So-" A large crash sounded from the door.
"Carter, my boy!" A booming and extremely masculine voice called from the doorway and I found a man leaning up against the frame. He was handsome and young, though not younger than me. "Oh, and who is this most charmingly beautiful woman?" He turned to me. "Oh, madamoiselle! Thou hast stolen my heart and sewn it into the depths of yours, so that I may never get it back!"
I tipped my head back in laughter. "You may call me Madam, kind sir. Or I suppose now it would be Widow..." I faded into silence.
He smiled at me with a sad expression and Carter cleared his throat.
"Max, might I introduce, James' wife, Aura?" A flash of recognition settled in the mans eyes.
"Haha! I see why he's kept you away all this time. Trying to keep you to himself!" He looked at me with pure good-natured humour in his eyes and I laughed along.
It felt wonderful.
The rest of the evening we chatted amiably and eventually retired to the drawing room where the men chatted a bit more and when Max settled to his cigar and brandy, I played piano. I noticed that Carter touched nothing, no cigar, no brandy.
Eventually I excused myself to my chambers for the night and Carter offered to escort me. I nodded my assent and so we walked in companionable silence.
I broke it. "Carter? Why do you not touch a cigar or brandy? Surely it is not on my account?"
He chuckled a bit harshly and shook his head. "No, dear Aura, my father, may he rest in peace, was a drinker all his life. When he was drunk beyond comprehension, he would beat my mother. Between the alcohol and the cigars, his lungs turned black as night. He died of cancer to the lungs.I determined from that day forward I would never be like him and haven't so much as thought of turning to that since."
"Oh, how terrible. Your mother, is she still...?" I trailed off, but my intent was clear.
"Oh, very much so! He never broke her spirit and now she's as happy as can be. Though she still bothers me a bit about grandchildren." He chuckled fondly.
"Do you not wish for children, Carter?"
"No! No, I want children so badly. But I haven't yet found just the right girl. What of you?"
"Of course I want children. James and I were so excited. I was pregnant and we just couldn't wait. We went to the doctor for my exams, and the doctor announced that I had miscarried. I was grief-stricken." A tear filled my eye. "But my faith led me through. I know I'll have my baby someday. Someday." I smiled and turned to face Carter. "Well, this is my room, I'll see you tomorrow." I leaned in, kissed his cheek, sent him sweet dreams, and retreated to my chamber for a nice long sleep.
With beautiful dreams.
