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After the ball, they returned to their carriages. Sarah had survived the evening unscathed, her toes not stepped on from having to dance with a man that could not, and Dorothy was pleased with herself for being asked to dance. Levi’s mother also appeared to be in high spirits, smiling brightly in the carriage as if she had been swept off her feet herself.

“That was marvelous,” she breathed. “I had not realized how much I had missed attending societal events until I stepped into one. There were so many people, and gossip to listen to, and stories to hear. I have… I have missed so much.”

Even Levi looked at her with pity when she said that.

“Then you may join us more often,” Emma promised. “We would love for you to.”

Levi did not seem so convinced, but she did not care in that moment what he thought was a good idea, not when she had seen what he had deemed appropriate behavior.

She did not say a word to him, of course, until his mother was out of sight and in her room.

“Might you be discreet in future?” she asked, and he looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“I can be very discreet, if that is what you would like, but this is our home.”

“You know what I mean!” she hissed. “If you insist on not truly being my husband, and you wish to continue your rakish activities, then at least do me the decency of being discreet, rather than parading your little friends around right in front of me.”

He smiled kindly at her, which only angered her further.

“Are you jealous?” he asked.

“Of course not, but I have no desire to have any further whispers about our match. I have heard quite enough of those.”

“I quite like that we are the topic of the ton’s conversation. It shows that we are interesting. Why else do you think so many ladies come to me? They believe they may havea chance with me. I find it rather entertaining, as they do not seem to notice what fools they are making of themselves.”

“They are also making a fool of me, and you are happily allowing them to do so.”

“Emma, if you do not want me to see other ladies as companions and friends, you need only tell me. I can understand jealousy. I am your husband, after all.”

“It is not jealousy, why can you not understand that? This is about the small scrap of good that is left in my reputation and me wanting to protect it, rather than openly being mocked. I am not going to stop you from cavorting around with other ladies, I only ask that you do not force me to watch it.”

“And that is all you want to ask of me?”

“Yes.”

“Are you certain of that? Because as my wife you are more than welcome to expect more from me. It would help protect that dignity that you care so much for, too.”

“I simply do not want to see it. That is all.”

“Very well,” he nodded with a sly grin, “it is done.”

Emma was quite taken aback by how easily he had accepted her request, and she wondered if she should indeed have asked for more. She reminded herself that she did not care what he did behind closed doors. She didnotlove him and she didnotcare deeply for him.

She then had to give herself that same reminder an hour later, and then again each time she awoke during the night.

CHAPTER 25

Emma felt that her marriage was, while not perfect, improving quickly.

They had settled into a nice routine, taking their breakfast together and then passing their days however they wished. It felt good to be afforded her freedom, and though she would have preferred a loving and doting husband, she had plenty to be thankful for.

They were having breakfast a week after the ball, a week after she had asked him not to flirt with ladies in front of her and he had agreed easily to it, and it had been something he had kept to, not leaving the household at all since then.

“Are you certain that you do not mind my going to see Dorothy this morning?” she asked, taking a pastry from the table.

“Why would I? You are free to do as you please. I have always told you that.”

“I know, but you have not been anywhere this week and it feels unfair for me to leave.”