"Ah, there is nothing like a good cup of tea," Lady Everston said with a satisfied smile as she drank her own cup.
"Quite," Noll agreed. "Did you have a pleasant walk?"
Mai felt both Lady Everston and Noll's eyes on her face as she downed her cup.
"Yes, the woodland path was quite delightful. Though the lakeside is a little unsteady underfoot."
"Shall I take that as the reason for you redecorating your dress?" Noll asked.
"Oh, I, um…"
"Oliver, perhaps you should talk to the gardeners about having the path reinforced so that your wife does not stumble again. It would do no good if she were with ch—"
"That is quite unnecessary!" Mai insisted with a squawk. "I should not have walked out after it had rained."
"Nonsense, walking is a very healthy pastime! And I daresay you were unable to enjoy the delights of the country in London."
"There are plenty of places to walk in London," Mai argued. "Only most are paved."
"It is not the same," Lady Everston said. "Do you ride?"
"I… Not in many years. We had no reason to keep a horse and the pony was a little too small for even me."
"Perhaps you ought to rediscover the pursuit, horses have no issues in such things."
"I would not want to impose."
"Nonsense! Oliver, have you a spare horse?"
Noll sighed heavily.
"No, but no doubt my brother would love to find me an animal."
"You should not impose on your brother so, Oliver."
"He has a much better eye for the beasts," Noll stated. "But I shall do it myself if you insist."
"You shall never improve your eye if you do not practice."
"I really do not want to cause such trouble," Mai whispered. "I am quite content with walking."
"Lady Nollington," Lady Everston began, "It is a husband's duty to keep his wife happy. And if you do not insist with Oliver, he shan't put in any effort."
Noll rolled his eyes.
"Do you still require me present, Mother? Or may I—"
"Yes I do. Have you no interest in how your brother is doing? He was devastated at missing the wedding."
"On the basis that you have not told me of his demise, I presume he is fine."
"He was feeling a little better this morning," Lady Everston went on, as if Noll had not spoken. "He wanted to come with me today, but I insisted he stay home and rest. No doubt he will call upon you tomorrow if he is well."
"No doubt," Noll agreed.
"He was talking of fencing this morning when I checked on him. Perhaps you could indulge him? Or maybe Colonel Lin could?"
"Colonel Lin would be delighted I am sure."
"You could have a little tournament, I am sure your wife would be curious about your skill."
Mai, who had thought it safe to drink a little more of her tea, hastily swallowed and nodded.
"There, it is quite a settled thing. Do you know much of the sport?"
"No, my father was more more of a reader than a sportsman," Mai confessed.
"And you had no brothers?"
"None that survived childhood."
"I am sorry."
Mai smiled graciously and hid once again behind her teacup.
"Mother, do you plan to stay for dinner? Only if you are, I need to inform the housekeeper."
"As pleasurable as that would be, I am expected back at Westbeck this evening. But you ought to allow your lady to run the household. I understand that you are not used to—"
"I like the way Mrs Alexander runs the house, I see no need to change something if it is not broken."
"Mrs Alexander will not be about forever, Oliver."
"She is already training her daughter to take her place."
"Oh that reminds me," Lady Everston moved on. "I have found your wife a maid, but her husband will also require employment. I believe he is a carpenter of some kind."
"I am sure I can find a role for him, send them to the house."
Lady Everston smiled.
"I also, while I was here, wanted to discuss which of the rooms you plan on redecorating."
"Redecorate? Why would I do that?" Noll asked.
"For a nursery! Of course!"
"Mother, I think I can see clouds in the sky, you ought to think of taking your car—"
"Oh Oliver, don't be so—"
The door opened and Colonel Lin entered.
"I apologise for the intrusion," he said. "Lady Everston, it is a pleasure."
"Oh Colonel, how are you? It has been an age! Which of the rooms here do you think would make a good nursery? I think it must be one of the south facing rooms, sunlight is good for children."
"A sensible suggestion indee—"
Colonel Lin was cut off by Noll.
"Mother, I really must insisted for your safety—"
"Colonel, when are you going to let me find you a wife? My boys have rebuffed my every attempt but you—"
"I am too busy with the military, Madam. I would neglect a wife and that would be inexcusable."
Lady Everston sighed.
"Well when you change your mind, I know the perfect woman."
"You cannot be thinking of—" Noll began.
"Oliver, I shall take my leave of you now. Will you show me to my carriage?"
Noll complied and left Mai and the Colonel alone.
"Lady Everston is very… Proactive," Mai said.
"Yes, she is indeed. She cares a great deal for everyone in her acquaintance, but does not always see where she helps too much," Colonel Lin replied.
"She has suggested a fencing tournament between yourself, my husband and his brother, once he is well."
"I have not fenced in some time, I doubt I shall be much sport," Colonel Lin said. "But the brothers are well matched."
"Is that so?"
"They trained together their entire life. They are well matched in many aspects, except perhaps in dancing."
Before Mai could ask further, Noll returned.
"Your wife has just informed me of a fencing tournament?"
"Yes, apparently Eugene has been begging for one on his sickbed. But if he thinks I shall go easy on him for being an invalid, he is quite wrong."
"When have you ever gone easy on him?" Lin teased.
"Do you know of anyone selling horses? Mother wants me to acquire one for Mai."
"Not in these parts, but I am sure your brother will know. He bought that gelding less than a month ago."
"Yes, I feared I would have to employ his services in this matter."
"Come now, your brother is no fool when it comes to the animals."
"Might I be excused?" Mai asked. "I desire to read."
"Of course."
The two gentlemen waited for her to leave before continuing their conversation.
"Your mother has frightened her a little," Lin said.
"Expected. Mother can be overbearing," Noll said. The Colonel coughed. "But well intentioned."
Lin smiled.
"Are you quite well, Oliver? You seem a little out of sorts."
Noll grimaced at the statement, but knew he owed it to his friend to answer.
"I think my wife is offended that we did not… Partake in certain activities last night."
"Ah…" Lin strode to the window. "Why did you not…?"
"I was tired."
"You stayed up late reading?"
"Perhaps."
"You wanted to avoid…"
"I think it to be a very intimate action," Noll stated, unable to look at his friend. "Especially with someone I met that day."
"Then why not tell your wife that?" Lin suggested. "I am sure she can understand the sentiment. Eugene would not have suggested her if she were a fool."
And so, that night, when they once again retired to their bedchamber, Noll determined to repeat the notion to his wife.
One again, she sat on the bed, waiting for him.
"I am not tired," she said by way of a greeting.
Noll pursed his lips and perched on one side of the bed.
"Mai, I confess that I find the act we are required to perform to be something very intimate, do you agree?"
"Yes? It is something that must only happen between a man and his wife," she said.
"What I am trying to say is that I do know you particularly well. Despite being married, we are not yet…"
"You wish to know me better before we embark on expanding our family?" Mai surmised.
"Yes."
"I understand."
Noll could not tell if her smile was forced or genuine. It bothered him.
"Perhaps," Mai went on. "We could… Talk a little before we sleep? To become better acquainted?"
"Yes."
Noll shuffled under his half of the covers and Mai did the same.
"So… Tell me about your childhood?" Mai prompted.
Noll sighed and attempted to give a brief summary of his life thus far. Mai was a keen listener who 'um'ed and 'ah'ed in all the right places. She even asked questions to further conversation.
When they finally chose to sleep, Noll felt a little better for having been honest with his wife. He did want their marriage to be a successful one, for his own ease of living if nothing else.
Author's note: Guess who turns up next chapter?!
