They were not going to remain married, and he believed taking liberties would only cause problems for both of them. The complication of a pregnancy would extend the duration of their arrangement. If she birthed a boy, the child would be his heir and their arrangement might have to continue indefinitely.
Matilda wasn’t meant for a life with him. But he wanted to educate her in the ways of his world, and perhaps if their natures aligned the way he hoped, he might tempt her to enjoy what they did together.
When she was stylishly dressed in the manner he preferred, modest chain about her neck and blushing deeply from his attention and compliments, he grinned. “Wife.”
Her answering smile was just a little embarrassed. “Husband.”
He held out his arm. “Let us go inspect this carriage of Sally’s, and if it suits our purpose we can move on to the second task of the day.”
“What might that be?”
“There is a litter of puppies waiting for our inspection in the adjoining mews. They are too young to be taken from their mother today but in a few weeks, if you like, we can bring one home with us. Shall we walk?”
Matilda had kept to the house and the drawing room a little more than he considered healthy. He wanted her seen on his arm. He wanted her to want to spend time with him.
“I would like that,” she agreed, a hesitant smile blooming on her lips.
He paused to add a stylish bonnet to her head, passed her short kid gloves to slip on while he collected his own possessions and a few coins. He escorted her down the staircase and out onto the street, well pleased with how the morning had gone between them.
Dressing her had been both arousing and comforting. He could stand a little more togetherness if she would only agree.
Matilda, however, let out a shaky breath as soon as they were out of sight of home.
He clasped his hands behind his back as they strolled along side by side. “You have nothing to be nervous about.”
“Surely you must regret your grandfather’s interference. You’ve only just recovered, and now you are saddled with a wife. I am afraid I have not been a very good wife to you.”
He wasn’t concerned, but he was curious about her opinion on marriage. “What sort of wife should you be?”
“I don’t know,” she said, clearly worried. “I never imagined marrying a stranger.”
He raised a brow. “Would it surprise you to learn that you know my nature better than anyone? I’m not the sort of man to reveal my habits to just anyone.”
She blushed again. “I do know your nature, but you do not know me.”
“You might not have noticed, but I was attempting to fill in the gaps of my knowledge this morning over breakfast.” He fell silent as they strolled side by side for a while. They kept pace easily enough, and he was pleased he did not have to shorten his strides very much at all to match hers. “Many marriages among the ton are hardly ever more than a business arrangement.” He shrugged. “As is ours to a degree, I suppose, but I hope that we might become friends.”
“Friends?”
“Well, yes.” He leaned toward her. “It will be a long and trying affair if you keep avoiding me.”
Her hand rose to her lips guiltily. “I’ve hidden from you this week.”
“I did notice that, but no more. Agreed?”
“Yes, William.”
He took her arm to help her across the street and then decided to keep it, steering her around people and obstacles in their path.
Miss Chudleigh’s carriage was also approaching them. He ignored the woman whose face was pressed to the glass and smiled at Matilda as they carried on at an unhurried pace. “Can I ask you a question?”
“Yes, of course.”
William stopped once Miss Chudleigh’s carriage was out of sight. “How did you feel after I spanked you last year?”
Her eyes widened in shock. “I… I cried,” she whispered, glancing around to see who was near.
He patted her hand and drew her along the street again. “You did not cry this morning?”