Charming Isabella (18 page)

“She… she goes to market on Friday and… and I told her that you had instructed me to stay in bed and rest.”  His understanding bloomed. He knew that his employees would obey his every word and, by association, trusted the supposed mistress of the manor to do as well.  He would discuss the situation with his housekeeper, but he had a good idea that she would be almost as angry as he about being caught up in the girl’s deceit. 

“It was very naughty of you to lie to Mrs.
Bremmer, Louisa.  I thought we had learned a lesson about being deceitful, but it is obvious that my little lady needs another lesson.” 

Her head snapped up and her mouth opened.  “No… no please Edward….”

“Hush!  We will continue our discussion at home.  When we arrive, you are to go immediately to your room, put your nose in the corner until I join you.  Until then, I suggest you remain quiet and think only of what you need to do to assure me of your contrition.”  Louisa closed her eyes and stifled a small moan.  She knew that her sister might be even now sitting on a hard chair with her bottom burning, but she also knew that her own bottom was evidently going to burn even hotter soon enough. 

She opened her eyes and dared a glance at her husband.  He was looking down at her, his eyes stern, and she gulped before she whispered, “Yes sir.”  He nodded, knowing she would do as she had been told, and then settled back to relax during the short ride home.  Edward surprised his wife by reaching down and taking one of his wife’s hands into his, pressing it lightly.  This simple, loving gesture caused her to want to lean into him, want to apologize again, but she knew it would not be welcome.  There would be a time for apologizing as well as a time to take comfort in her husband’s arms.  However, she knew from past experience that time was a long way in the future.  Nothing else was said on the long drive home. 

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