The Unwanted Wedding

Chapter 37 - Bitter

Bella 

I found Vincent wondering with leashed dogs in toe as I made my way up the path leading to Silvan Manor. After I heated discussion with my son and my daughter-in-law, I was deeply concerned. He moved sluggishly, smoking a thin cheroot, and looking absently at the greenery. I hiked my skirts and ventured after him, it was easy to catch up. As I approached, Vincent came to notice me and walked over to shorten the distance. After a greeting of a familiar kiss on the cheek, I took his arm to join him on his stroll.

"What can I ask, is the pleasure of your company this morning? I thought it far to early in the morn to see such a lady as you." Vincent asked, politely.

I gave a soft chuckle; "It's always a pleasure, my love. But I've come to chat, fore I'm troubled. I've heard so many troubling things this week, it's worrying."

He frowned, passed for a moment in thought. "Why?"

I gave him a knowing look, "Oh, sweetings, I think you already know." I gently stroked his cheek, "Hmmph, you should shave when you go home. You are as furry as a drop bear." A small half smile brightened his face, and it made me pleased to see it.

"I promised my lord father-in-law that nothing would ever happen-" He began somberly, but I cut him off.

"But it did happen. A great deal. Under your protection, her arm has been sprained by...falling was it? You two have fought like lions caged together. Her unborn child has carelessly put at risk. A child of your peasant mistress-No, don't you say a word, let me finish. And now strangers in your own home!" My expression softened once I saw his face, vivid with sorrow. "Oh, Vincent. Don't take it so." I cupped his face between my palms. "My son is a man of temper, don't take it so. I'm not angry, I'm not disappointed. Reyna s very happy the last I saw her. Look, I'm sure what I've heard is a exaggeration." I strummed my thumbs over his cheekbones.

"I'm sorry for any offense I've given against your granddaughter, your son and your family. Reyna's arm is healed, our child is in good hands, I'd die before he or her isn't, and I am doing my absolute best to find who is was to attack us ad trespass into my home. But it is my home, and I'll treat it like a castle." I smiled up at him, appreciating his honest sincerity. "I give you my word on it, I promise."

"And I believe you. I have faith in you." We continued walking, "We lose ourselves in the things we love. We find ourselves there, too." We walked in silence for a moment, until it became clear that the animals wanted to go back home, and then I questioned once more. "Vincent, my I ask something rather personal of you?"

He glanced at me briefly, "Yes, I suppose so." he said wearily.

"It's not to be unladylike, but you are now my blood through marriage, and it's in my best interests for my granddaughter to be happy....in all aspects of her marriage." At first I didn't think he took my meaning, but then I say his face pale to display a uncomfortable bloom of embarrassment at the awkwardness of my implication. "Yes, my point exactly. I know my son made a blunder of it when he spoke to you after your accident, but alas my son is my son. Women see and experience sex rather differently." Vincent frowned at this. "Now, I'm aware that you two are both still young and that leads to fertility and vigor. Does she find whatever you two do acceptable?"

"Yes, I assume so." His lip curled up in a half amused smirk.

"So I am to 'assume' that you take her needs into consideration? Yes? Good. There's nothing worse than a prig. Is she taking the proper methods for pregnancy?"

"What do you mean?"

"That you two aren't consummating, that she doesn't sleep on her stomach, doesn't get exposed to deformities, isn't effected by unhappiness. All the things that lead to miscarriages you know" I ticked them off in my fingers.