Chapter 54 - Rainy Days

The next day, shortly after the couple had finished their breakfast, the skies broke open, washing the land in rain. Delaney had loved rainy days ever since she was a child and was excited to share one with Vincent.

Now that he was well enough, she didn't go to him in his bedroom in the morning but instead met him in the dining room. She hurried down the stairs on light feet and the door to the room was opened for her.

Inside, she slowed when she found Vincent standing in front of the windows with his arms crossed and a stern look on his face, staring out at the world beyond.

"Good morning," she greeted him as she came to his side and was surprised when he jumped. "I'm so sorry," she apologized quickly, "I didn't mean to startle you."

"Oh no it's alright," he forced himself to smile, "Rain just... just puts me on edge I'm afraid."

"Really? That's too bad. I love the rain."

"I used to as well," he sighed before turning and walking to the table. He pulled out her seat for her and she sat lightly in it.

"It will be a good day for exploring inside now at least," Delaney tried, as the servants brought in the food, "I can't wait for you to show me everything."

Vincent seemed to relax a bit more now and smiled at her. "I'm looking forward to showing it all to you as well."

All the servants left except one, as was their new rule, and the couple ate quietly. Delaney felt a little thrill inside her at the sound of the rain on the windowpanes. The world was washing away the old to make room for the new.

Any other day she might have rather curled up in bed with a good book but her plans to explore with Vincent would be much more fun.

After they had eaten, Vincent took Delaney on his arm and began their tour. Delaney noticed his limp was a bit worse this morning and wondered if it was from the dampness. Her Uncle Felix used to complain about his knees on rainy days.

As they walked through the manor, from one room to another, Delaney was surprised to find that Vincent knew a substantial amount of history and details about each one. She was also surprised by just how enormous and beautiful Edgewood Manor truly was.

The library was a room she had never visited before and was now astounded to see. The walls were covered in shelves that were lined with all kinds of books.

There were shelves of maps rolled up. Shelves holding family trees drawn out. And scattered throughout all of it as if they were hiding, were all different ancient, family artifacts.

There were couches and tables set up so someone could spend their day scouring through the treasures and never have to leave.

"I will be spending a lot of time here," she smiled at Vincent.

He leaned against a shelf and grinned back at her, "Once my father was gone this became one of my favorite places to hide. It still is, to be honest."

Delaney smiled thinking of a young Vincent hiding out amongst the books, reading and studying, and avoiding the enormous responsibility that had been dropped upon him.

Looking at him again now she saw he was again looking out the windows with unease. He saw her watching him and quickly straightened.

"Come on," he said, "There's a lot more."

They wandered together down long stone hallways and explored the gorgeous rooms they came upon. There were more paintings and tapestries than Delaney could keep track of along with suits of armor, walls of swords, sculptures, and other priceless heirlooms.

Delaney listened in awe while Vincent went over the history of his bloodline but her favorite thing was when he showed her the little secrets of the manor. In several rooms, there were secret passageways behind tapestries and secret panels that would move.

Thrilled by these, Delaney would take Vincent's hand and scurry down the dark passages, surprised and delighted no matter where they lead her too.

They were like children popping up unexpectedly and scaring the servants to death. Vincent would chuckle at his wife's happiness and she would giggle but apologize to whoever they had come upon.

They returned to the dining room for their midday meal and Delaney watched as Vincent looked out where the rain was still coming steadily down. By the end of their meal, he seemed to be on edge again.

Delaney peered outside at the grey sky full of clouds and wondered what it was about the rain that had him so uncomfortable. She thought about asking but worried it might make him angry and ruin their day.

Vincent stood slowly after they'd finished and Delaney noticed his limp was becoming more pronounced.

"Do you want to go to your room and rest for a while?"

"Of course not," he frowned as he took her arm again, "We're only about half done."

His mood didn't improve again though as the day went on. The rain outside began to grow into more of a storm and his limp got worse, as did his temper. Delaney was working to come up with an excuse to end their tour early when a servant came and took care of it for her.

"My Lord and Lady," a young man who Delaney recognized but couldn't recall the name of came to stand before them, "Lord Miles has just arrived. He's asked for you."

"Miles?" Delaney questioned in surprise, "Has he come alone?"

"Yes, my Lady."

She was disappointed he had not come with Cora. She hoped to see her friend. Looking up at Vincent, she found him frowning. "My family seems to be making a habit of showing up uninvited."

Delaney took his hand in both of hers and tugged him towards the door.

"I would much prefer a visit with your brother than your mother," she giggled, making him smirk back at her, "Come on. Let's go see what he's up to."

They found Miles sitting in the drawing-room in front of the fire that had been started in the stone fireplace.

"Ah," he stood, forcing a smile for his brother, "There you are. Harris said you were off exploring today."

His eyes shot downwards for a moment as he noticed Vincent's limp, but he shook the man's hand and gave a little bow for Delaney.

"Have you found anything interesting?" Miles asked after clearing his throat uncomfortably.

"The entire manor is interesting," Delaney smiled, hoping to ease the obvious tension in the room, "And Vincent seems to know everything you could know about it. That's impressive in itself."

As they sat on the couches, Miles caught sight of Delaney and Vincent's hands linked together. A frown creased his brow and he looked up at his brother and then her.

"What's this then?"

Vincent scowled back at him, "Do you have a problem with my wife and I holding hands?"

Miles's eyes narrowed on him, "She hated you only weeks ago if you will remember."

"I never hated him!" Delaney exclaimed, surprised, and embarrassed by his words, "You know I never hated him."

"Why are you here Miles?" Vincent cut off any chance of a rebuttal.

Miles looked from his brother's face to the window where the storm was picking up. When he turned back and looked pointedly at Vincent, his older brother dropped his gaze with a quick nod.

Delaney looked between the two of them, not understanding what was going on.

"What is it?" she questioned Miles, "Why are you here?"

Vincent cleared his throat and pulled her hand up to give it a quick kiss, "Would it be alright if I talked to Miles alone in my study before dinner?"

Delaney studied his face, trying to get any information but there was none to be found.

"Of course," she agreed quietly at last, with no other option, "I'll just go rest a bit in my room I suppose."

Vincent stood then, inhaling sharply and clenching the fist that wasn't holding her hand. Miles studied him but didn't react to his brother's pain. Delaney felt guilty for dragging him all over the manor now.

"I'll meet you in there," Miles said to Vincent with a nod to Delaney before turning and leaving the room.

"I'm sorry," Vincent said quietly to her once she was standing, "I just need to...to straighten out some things with him."

"What's going on?" Delaney asked again looking up and brushing his hair back from his face, "Why has he come?"

Vincent shifted uncomfortably looking away. He brushed a quick kiss across her hand but then just held it there, pressed lightly to his lips as if for comfort.

"It's nothing you need to worry about. He's just being overly... protective."

"I know he doesn't like me but does he really still think I'm going to hurt you?" Delaney asked in surprise.

"No," he sighed, "He's afraid I'll be the one to hurt you."