The storm was raging outside, rain beating against the window panes, thunder rumbling and occasionally lightning causing the bedroom of the viscount and viscountess to briefly be illuminated.

Not that it was completely dark in there. A candle had been lit on the side of the bed occupied by Anthony, who was sat up with a book open in one hand. His other hand was occupied by stroking Kate's hair gently as he read aloud from his book.

Kate lay with her head on his lap, listening to the soothing tones of her husband's voice and languishing in the feeling of his fingers running through her hair. She still flinched when the lightning cracked or when a rumble of thunder was particularly loud, but she felt much calmer than when the storm awoke her.

As Anthony finished the chapter he was reading, he lifted his hand to stifle a yawn.

"If you're too tired to continue, do go to sleep, my love," Kate told him. "You've helped me a great deal. I'm sure to feel able to sleep soon."

Anthony smiled down at her and shook his head. "Do not worry, Kate, I promise I will not fall asleep as I read. One more chapter."

Kate reached up and pulled his head down as she lifted hers up to meet his lips in a sweet kiss.

"One more chapter," she agreed, as she parted from it, playing with the ends of his hair for a moment before laying back down on his lap.

Anthony began reading once more and Kate didn't give the storm raging outside one more thought for the rest of the night.