Page 129 of The Language of Love

Chapter 22

For once, Annis would have Henry all to herself at dinner.

She didn’t know where Edmund had gone, but Julia was dining at the local squire’s house.

Sharing their meals with two people her husband loathed had not made for relaxing evenings, and Annis was thrilled at the chance to be alone with Henry.

She wore a misty green silk gown that Henry had chosen. The bodice was lower than she would normally wear and there was only one insubstantial petticoat.

Grace had needed to lace her stays extra tight so she could fit into the gown and, for once, Annis actually had a figure.

Today marked the end of her courses and she wanted to make it clear to Henry that he was not only welcome but wanted in her bed.

When she arrived in the dining room, he was already there, pouring a glass of wine from a decanter.

His eyes traveled from head-to-toe-to-head again. Although he didn’t smile, she could see he was pleased. “You look lovely.”

“Thank you. And thank you for selecting the fabric for me. And the design.” She laughed. “All I have to do is wear it.”

“Which you do excessively well.” He pulled out her chair and then filled her glass with wine.

“Mrs. Jenkins said she was to have a meeting with you today,” Annis said after she’d taken a sip.

“Yes, it was most profitable. And thank you for assembling that impressive inventory. I will go to York in a few days to visit my bank, so I shall drop off her letter at the hiring agency and place the various orders she gave me.”

“You are going to York? May I come along? I’ve always wished to see the Minster.”

He hesitated, but then smiled and said, “I would enjoy your company and the Minster is well worth seeing.”

The door opened, and the servants brought in the first course.

Annis waited until they were alone to say, “Julia says the date for the party is the end of the month.”

Henry lowered his spoon. “And is that convenient for you?”

“I have no preference.”

He didn’t look entirely convinced but resumed eating.

“How is the work progressing on the tenant farms?” she asked when he remained quiet.

“There is a lot to be done and too few workers to do it, but I believe the worst of the roofs shall be patched by the end of summer.”

“I would like to visit the farms with you the next time you go,” she said.

“Of course. I was just speaking to Squire Benson about a mare he is selling. I think she might be suitable for you.”

“I love riding, but I’m not much of an equestrienne,” she warned. “I’ve not ridden in years.”

“You shall have plenty of opportunity here.”

Although their conversation seemed easy enough on the surface, Annis sensed that something else was bothering him.

When they finished eating, she said, “I shall leave you to your port.”

“I don’t wish for port tonight. I thought I’d do a little more work in the study, if you cared to join me?”

“That would be lovely.”