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Hugo drew in a breath, trying not to be irritated.

“That is kind,” he admitted, “But I am afraid I cannot. I have to meet with my accountant and attend to-” He tried to move around her, but Seraphina stepped in front of him calmly.

“It is done,” she stated.

Hugo’s brows drew up in surprise.

“Done?”

Seraphina put the basket down and looped her arm through his, leading him up the stairs with a confidence that amused him.

“Your accountant and I met this morning, shortly after you left, and settled the books,” she explained. “As for your paperwork, I had your new steward sit down with me and explain everything. I compiled everything into stacks that needed your signaturetoday and those that can wait until you return from your hunting trip. I forged a few, I hope you don’t mind, and sent them off to their respective addresses.”

“You- youforgedmy signature?” Hugo asked, panic rising.

“Do not worry,” Seraphina said calmly, leading him toward his bedroom quarters, “I am well aware of what I put your signature on today. You agreed to a trade with Lord Baxter, a silk for linen exchange. Made adjustments on a contract for coal. Their rates were too high, according to this year’s standards, so I made a counteroffer that was far more suitable.”

Hugo’s eyes widened with awe as Seraphina explained her work, doing exactly everything he had intended on doing himself. His mind raced, trying to find ways to negate anything she’d done, but by the time she had finished and brought him a steaming bath, he had nothing to say.

“So you see, your night is now free,” Seraphina concluded, her smile bright as she patted his hand.

“So take a quick bath, get dressed, and meet back in the foyer. I thought you might take me to that spot in the woods you were telling me about the other day?”

Hugo’s mouth dropped open, but he could not find the words. Still confused and taken aback that all that work was now done for him, he just nodded as he pressed his lips together.

“Wonderful,” Seraphina sang. “I shall see you shortly!”

For a moment Hugo just stood there, stunned. He had known that she was working harder to get acquainted with Merrivale and how things ran, but he could have never predicted that her dedication to his home and land would go this far.

As if she truly cares.

Shaking himself out of his reverie, Hugo undressed and quickly washed himself, grateful that she had even had the foresight to prepare him a bath. Once finished, he dressed in casual clothing, and made his way to the foyer.

“Perfect timing,” Seraphina announced as he came down the stairs, “The horses have just been brought around. Shall we go?”

“Seraphina,” he said warily, “Not that I am unappreciative of what you have done, but why are you doing all of this?”

Seraphina’s smile dropped just a little, and something akin to sympathy flittered through her eyes.

“Because I am your wife,” she said, her tone matter-of-fact, “And it is not just you who must take care of me. It is I who must take care of you as well.”

She then opened the door, and nodded toward the horses.

“Now come, let us take our ride.”

Seraphina’s words made a strange feeling surge through him; one he’d never felt before. He rubbed his chest uncomfortably, but he stepped through the door, and went with her to the horses.

“Here,” he said, taking the basket from her, “Let me help you up.”

He handed the basket to a servant, who immediately began to fasten it to Hugo’s saddle, and Hugo put his hands around Seraphina’s waist. Sparks of warmth scattered along his palms as he lifted her onto the saddle with ease, and he could not help but let his fingers linger on her for a moment before he let her go.

Growing more comfortable with the idea of having more leisure time with her, he finally smiled up at her. The smile she gave him back was utterly brilliant, sending a warm light through him that made his pulse race

“Thank you, husband,” she whispered.

“You are welcome,wife,”he answered, stroking a hand down her thigh.

“You said you wanted to go to my favorite spot in the woods?”