liberality that would get him banned from a kitchen—though he’d thought her quite plain before.
Did that mean something?
Simon held her gaze, and Mina shoved those thoughts aside. They were of no value at present, and they’d dredged up enough drama today; she had no desire to stir from this peaceful moment.
“Do you wish me to call her out? I’m not a good shot, but I’m bound to be better than Mrs. Baxter.” Simon affected a serious air, his words spoken with such dry humor that Mina laughed out loud at the thought of it.
“She would likely choose swords, so she could run you through for not choosing her daughter over ‘that dreadful wife of yours,’” she said, affecting a passable impression of Mrs. Baxter’s imperious tone.
Simon chuckled, his chest bouncing her as she rested against it. Leaning close, Mina laughed at the ridiculous image Simon had conjured with his offer and snuggled into him.
“I am joking, but only slightly. I cannot stand the awful things they say about you,” he murmured, his arms clinging to her as tightly as she was to him.
Mina smiled, head nestling into his shoulder. “I know, love, but it is of no consequence. They are only bitter at having lost such an unparalleled prospective son-in-law.”
“I am a fine specimen of manhood.”
Mina poked him in the ribs, and Simon chuckled, but his tone softened as he added, “I know you do not wish to make a scene or stir up more trouble, but I shan’t stand by and watch them abuse you. Not ever again.”
“She is an irritant and nothing more, Simon. With time, things will settle in the neighborhood if we simply let things lie. But should I need any assistance in disposing of my enemy, I know who to call upon.”
“Too right.”
*
Simon couldn’t decide if he felt like giving a bellowing shout of victory or letting out a long, bone-deep sigh. If not for the fact that either would disrupt his wife, who was so cozily snuggled up against him, Simon would’ve likely done both.
All was well. Or as well as it could be while ladies like Mrs. Baxter attacked his dear Mina. Though calling that harpy a “lady” was a generous use of the term. Simon had always believed that the terms gentleman and lady required an attitude of generosity towards one’s fellow man. Noblesse oblige may be a foreign phrase but not a foreign concept.
Some feral part of him wished to shove aside his gentlemanly strictures and hunt Mrs. Baxter and all the rest down, but again, that would require relinquishing his current position. And angering his wife. Mina was too kind, and though he didn’t deserve her, Simon wished to at least feign that he was worthy of her.
So, he let that anger die to a flickering flame and reveled in the contentment of being so warmly situated with his wife. Mina hadn’t been upset with him; that was good. Of course, it didn’t dispel the shadows lingering in his heart, which warned that he would ruin it eventually, but for now, Simon was willing to embrace the joy of the moment. Tomorrow would be soon enough to continue his campaign of trustworthiness.
Mina ran a hand across his chest, tracing a pattern into his waistcoat, and Simon breathed in the scent of lilies that had become synonymous with his wife. He didn’t know if he’d ever noticed that fragrance before, but now it permeated the house, bringing a smile to his lips.
But that smile fled as he recalled Mina’s earlier reaction. With the conversation shifting quickly from that moment, Simon hadn’t given it much thought then, but his mind drifted back to that little comment he’d made.
“My beautiful wife…” Simon had said it in all sincerity, yet Mina had flinched. Though she’d tried to hide it, he’d seen the doubt. Even after months of honest affection, Mina shied away from such compliments; she did not go so far as to fight him on it, but neither did she accept it.
Simon’s fingers twitched, tapping a gentle rhythm against Mina’s arm as he held her close. One way or another, he would rebuild the trust he’d damaged.
Chapter 17
Sunlight poured through Finch’s bedchamber window, filling the room with a golden hue. The crystalline dusting of snow sparkled outside, begging him to abandon the warmth and comfort of Avebury Park. Perhaps he might persuade Miss Barrows to join him on another excursion. The lady seemed keen to traipse through the snowscape, but Finch wondered if