Katherine
"Sir Magnus," Luther announced with stiff propriety, his voice betraying a hint of unease.
"Sir Magnus, may I present the lady of the house and her mother."
The gentleman in question stood tall, his stature commanding attention, clad in a military uniform with brass gleaming in the early afternoon light. He removed his cap with fluid precision, tucked it beneath his arm, and bowed low to my mother and me.
"Lieutenant Magnus Rivers," he said with a half-smile, "though you may simply call me Magnus. Unless you're planning on berating me, in which case I recommend you stick to 'Lieutenant.'"
I blinked, startled by his informal candour. A lieutenant? Here? In our drawing room? Had my late father prepared yet another unwelcome surprise for us, buried somewhere in his schemes?
"And may I inquire, sir, as to the purpose of your visit?" I asked, stealing a glance at my mother, who nodded with barely concealed curiosity.
Rising to his full height with measured grace, the lieutenant returned his cap to his head.
"Forgive my actions, or rather inactions. I'd been told by Lord Cillian that my arrival has been made known to the house. I'd admit I'm a day early but I was assured the household was made aware of my visiting."
Catching myself I smiled at him and walked past mother to offer a handshake. "Yes of course, the house was informed of your arrival. Well, now that your name is no longer a mystery, you're most welcome," I said, gesturing toward the nearest chair. "Do sit. You must be tired from the journey."
He took my hand first before lowering himself into the bergère chair.
I turned around to see mother giving orders to Luther to arrange for refreshments to be sent.
I returned my attention to him. "I had no idea that Lord Stratford still had friends in the military." I said, trying for a conversation.
"Lord Stratford?" He sounded amused. "Aren't you his wife? Well I'd be damned to have my own wife call me by some flimsy title."
Blushing, I tried to correct Magnus about his language. "Erm, Sir Magnus…"
"Magnus," he said. "We're leaving."
Cillian stepped in, his gaze sweeping the room with a cool sharpness that made the air drop a few degrees.
Magnus rose at once, his posture snapping into something more formal. I stood too, more out of instinct than decorum.
"Lady Katherine, thank you for keeping my dear friend engaged, I must steal him from you now," Cillian said, a weak attempt to be playful with me in the presence of his friend.
I rose to my feet and straighten my skirt. "Of course my lord."
Magnus had his hands stretched out as I turned to bid him goodbye. I placed my hand in his and watched him lift it. He brought it just beneath his lips, not quite kissing it, but close enough that my skin tingled from the nearness.
"I shall be sure to make my way back to you my lady, after my friend and I have had a talk. Do have a day as beautiful as yourself."
It took all of my efforts not to preen at his words.
I flashed him a smile and excused myself walking past Cillian who decided to put on a show and smile at me as I exited.
.
The dinner table was fuller than it had ever been. Mother had invited Lewis over, declaring there was some sort of special announcement to make during dinner and our special guest of honor, Magnus was present, Seated very far away from me, courtesy of my husband.
Just before we walked into the dining room, Cillian had pulled me aside to plead with me to remember that I was a married woman and stop looking at his friend with the moon in my eyes.
If I didn't know better, i would have sworn that the only reason why he had kissed me immediately after the reminder was because he was jealous, but knowing Cillian, it could have been a part of his revenge plan.
That wasn't enough reason to stop my brain from replaying the feel of his soft lips on mine, firm like a stamp and a reminder that he had the right to.
My hands reached for my lips before I caught myself, lowering my hands to pick the cutlery I had dropped.
"We shall have moon cakes for dessert, and it is only then that I would make my announcement," mother said gingerly as she but into one of the last pieces of her meat.
Shirley giggled and clapped in excitement. An excitement I would have felt had my stomach not felt like it was going to burst from the meal I was eating.
Nonetheless, I offer my unenthusiastic sound which made Cillian laugh and reach of my foot with his under the table.
My eyes flitted to his which were already on me and he gave me a smile that confused me. Why was he happy?
Shortly after I'd managed to force my last spoon down my mouth. The servants careened in to clear out the table and bring the dessert we had all been waiting for.
With no desire to swiftly dig in I waited for mother to speak.
Shirley decided to make her announcement first, lifting up two spoons and tapping them together like cymbals.
"Yes, yes," she said brightly. "I'd like to speak first, if Mother permits me. Mine's a much smaller affair, I suppose it only affects me."
Everyone gave polite nods as she stood, her hands nervously smoothing the napkin at her waist.
"I've decided to start my trip around the world," she said, her smile broad but trembling just slightly at the corners. "I leave in two days."
There was a beat of silence, and then a rush of reactions—gasps, applause, surprised laughter. Mother clapped at once, already beaming with excitement.
"I think…" Shirley went on, softer now, looking down at the linen tablecloth before lifting her eyes to meet mine. "I think I've spent too long waiting for the perfect reason. Waiting for permission. But I don't need either anymore."
She giggled lightly, blinking a little too fast, and tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "There's nothing keeping me here now."
It was great news for her, she deserved to get out of the house and do with her money as she pleased.
And yet, all I could feel was envy. Shirley had the freedom I only ever got to watch from the side.
"Oh Shirley, congratulations. You have no idea how many other women wish to be in your place," I said reaching out to her over the table.
Still beaming with joy, she took my hand and offered me a smile. "I'm so sorry that father had other plans for you."
My smile fell and I withdrew my hand gently and placed it by my plate. Cillian immediately reached for my hand and gave it a small squeeze.
"I am sorry as well," his mouth said, but his eyes spoke otherwise. I gave him a fake smile and pulled my hand away, keeping it under the table this time.
"I guess that leaves my announcement," mother said pushing back her chair so she could stand.
The living room quietened as we all waited for mother's announcement.
With a warm smile, she cleared her throat and spoke.
"It's no news that Lewis and I have been sneaking off more often than not."
I snickered.
"Oh, don't judge us Katherine. You do not know what it's like to be in love."
I paused at the words.
Mother was in love with Lewis?
"So before Lewis and I run off and cause a scandal, I shall like to announce to the rest of my family that my paramour and I have decided to move things to the next level."
I hadn't realized my grip on the tablecloth had been so fierce until my cup hit against the plate next to it.
Mother was keeping us all in a suspense, smiling like a new light had been shone upon her.
"We are on the edge of our seats mother."
"Well, Lewis and I have decided to get married."