Chapter 73 - Cheer Up

After another few days of mostly staying in bed or walking sadly around their home, Vincent's worry for his wife was growing. She wasn't talking much and was eating even less.

When they woke up to find a day grey and drizzling, Vincent decided he couldn't wait any longer. He needed to do something to cheer her up.

"After dinner tonight I have something to show you," he whispered as he held her in his arms in her bed.

With her back against his chest, Delaney turned to try to look at him, "What is it?"

"A surprise," he chuckled as he kissed her neck and shoulder, "You'll see tonight."

They ate breakfast at the table in her room which was becoming her habit as she rarely left the space. Vincent tried to convince her to go outside with him and walk through the gardens but with the steady mist of rain, she said no.

"Alright, I have to go work now," he kissed her forehead, "Why don't you get dressed and come down and join me?"

"I think I might sit and read some today," she answered quietly, "But maybe after lunch."

Delaney felt guilty for worrying her husband so much but couldn't seem to rid herself of the sadness hanging over her since Olive's death. She had thought about going to see the baby but feared that might make it worse instead of better.

She was still sitting on her couch in her nightdress reading when there was a quick knock on her bedroom door before it opened and Ms. Bird strolled in. As she had for several days now, she looked at Delaney in disapproval.

"Lord Adair is looking forward to this evening with you my Lady. I can tell."

Delaney frowned, "He's just going to show me something Ms. Bird I don't believe it's going to be a whole evening."

"It is more than just showing you something. He asked me to try to convince you to dress and have your hair done. He wouldn't have said that unless he had bigger plans."

Delaney sighed, "I think he just wants me to dress and get out of my bedroom. For all I know there isn't any surprise anyway."

"Well if you ask me, it's time you're up and out of here and back to your life. I know you're sad about your loss of your friend my Lady but she sounds like she was a good, kind woman. She wouldn't want you to lock yourself away in your bedroom like this."

Delaney's brows lowered, "I did not ask you Ms. Bird. I'm aware I can't go on like this forever. I can't force myself to suddenly be happy again though."

"You're very right my Lady. You can't. But you can start doing things that will help revive your spirit."

Delaney frowned at her but didn't say anything so the maid continued.

"If you continue to hide in your bedroom and sleep so much, your mood will never elevate. Lady Adair, get dressed in one of those lovely dresses you like. Go spend time with your husband. Do things that make you happy so you can help yourself out of this sadness."

Delaney continued to frown but swallowed and looked down, knowing the older woman was right. She pictured Vincent looking at her with worry when he thought she wasn't looking. She didn't like that she was making him worry.

"If you insist, I will try it," Delaney rolled her eyes and acted as if she was only doing it for the woman's benefit, "I'll wear my white dress with the little flowers stitched on it. I'm not going to have my hair done though. A braid is fine."

Once Delaney was washed and dressed with her long hair braided over her shoulder she inwardly cursed her maid. The woman had been right. She was feeling a bit better already. Delaney wouldn't admit that to her though.

Stepping out of her room, she knew the maid was going to swoop in on it with some of the other maids and give it a good cleaning. Ms. Bird liked things clean and fresh.

Knowing her bedroom would be occupied for some time, Delaney wandered down the stairs and looked at the door to Vincent's study. A sense of missing her husband suddenly came over her and she walked quickly to his door.

She knocked lightly and opened the door when she heard him call to enter. Stepping into his study, Vincent looked up and saw it was her and his eyes lit up, a smile blooming across his scarred face.

"You look beautiful," he watched her as she walked towards his desk, a happy smile on her face as well.

Delaney came around and he reached out his hand, taking hers and pulling her down to sit on his lap. He took her chin in his hand, tilting it down so he could kiss her sweetly.

"You know, I think I've missed my husband these last few days."

He gave her a sad smile and brushed a piece of her hair from her cheek, "I've missed my wife. I'm happy to see you starting to look yourself again."

Delaney took his hand and kissed it before holding it against her cheek, looking into his deep green eyes. With her other hand, she traced the marks on his face lightly with her fingertips.

Coming to the mark that cut through his eyebrow, she frowned. It's tendril reached up onto his forehead but seemed to reach much closer to his hairline than she'd thought.

"I didn't think this one was so long," she said quietly, her fingers brushing over it as she studied it and tried to remember.

Vincent caught her hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing it, "They're fine love."

The bell announcing the dining room was ready for them sounded and Delaney got up from her husband's lap. He stood and took her on his arm while they walked together.

"Is this storm not bothering you?" Delaney asked while they ate lunch. The rain easing up outside for now but the sky looked like it wouldn't last.

"No thunder," Vincent sighed, "and it's just been dreary all day. Not exactly stormy."

Delaney considered this, "So because it's just a calm rain you're alright then?"

Vincent shrugged a shoulder, "I suppose so."

After they'd eaten, Vincent headed outside to go to the barn on the far end of the lawns where a man tended to the cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals that were there just to feed the estate. 

Delaney did as he'd suggested earlier and went for a walk through the gardens. She remembered them being so much grander and prettier when she was a child. It looked like they must have fallen down in rankings on things that were important.

She wondered if she should have them brought back to their former glory. That was her decision as the mistress of the estate. She continued her walk, lost in thought about this.

When it started to sprinkle again, she retreated back inside and was happy when Vincent came a short time after.

Feeling in much better spirits now, she followed him into his study and closed the door behind them. He stood in front of his desk and chuckled when he saw her mischievous grin.

"What are you up to my Lady?"

Delaney walked over to him and pushed him playfully until he was sitting on the edge of the top of the desk. With one hand on each of his thighs, she leaned forward and kissed him, quickly at first but then deeply.

Vincent placed his hands on her hips and pulled her forward between his knees, letting a hand grab her backside as the other roamed up over her ribcage, making its way towards her chest.

She untucked his shirt from his breeches and slid her own hands over his abdomen and over his muscled chest until she reached his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his neck under the shirt.

His hand moved upward until it grazed over covered breasts. Delaney felt her heart leap into her throat but it didn't stop her from keeping up her assault of kisses on him. When she pressed herself more against him she heard him groan.

The bell rang announcing dinner and now it was Delaney who groaned.

"Why are they bringing dinner now? It's early."

"I asked them to," Vincent worked to catch his breath, "so we would have plenty of time for your surprise after dinner."

Delaney sighed, "But it's interrupting us now."

"Shh," he smiled, "If I didn't know you were going to absolutely love this surprise I'd say we could skip it."

"Tell me what the surprise is," she begged, "I will tell you if it's worth us stopping kissing for."

Vincent chuckled, "I told you it was a surprise."

"How about a hint then?"

He considered her and she worked her best to look pretty and pleading.

"Alright, just one hint," he chuckled, "We're going to be going off into the forests alone."

"Alone in the woods?" she gasped, "But aren't they dangerous?"

"They are," he laughed, "Indeed they are."