26: 26 Nuptial Nervousness (AVOT)

26 Nuptial Nervousness (AVOT)

Rhain and Daisy found themselves back on the horse, meandering home at a leisurely pace as the rain lessened its relentless onslaught. Each gentle gait of the horse, every small lurch, brought their soaked bodies into close, intimate contact.

A peculiar longing took hold of Daisy; she found herself wishing for the road to stretch on, to extend their time spent in the calming aftermath of the rain AND in Rhain's intriguing company. The mystery that he was fascinated her, and she yearned to delve deeper into the layers of his persona.

Her curiosity spilled over. "Who from your side will be attending our wedding?" She asked, shifting slightly in the saddle.

"A few distant relatives. I haven't extended many invitations," he admitted.

Her next question slipped off her tongue before she could think. "Do you have friends?"

A momentary silence stretched between them before he answered, "Yes, I do."

"Will they be there?"

A note of amusement tinged his voice. "You seem eager to meet them."

"Well, it's enlightening to know the people you hold close," she reasoned, hoping her genuine curiosity didn't come across as invasive.

His response was nonchalant. "I extended invitations to my friends, though they live far and wide. The short notice might pose a challenge for them."

Her nod of understanding was the only response she offered. 

His turn to question came next. "What about you? Any friends who will be attending?"

"Anna. She's a dear friend. She'll definitely be there," Daisy informed him. His nod was felt more than seen in the dim light.

The topic drifted towards Daisy's mother, as Rhain informed her about the arrangements he had made. "I will send a carriage to your home tomorrow. Ensure that your mother's belongings are packed so she can commence her relocation."

The reality of being separated from her mother had slipped from Daisy's mind. The reminder was jarring. "How close to... us will she be living?"

"I've endeavored to locate the closest available residence. It's a comfortable quarter-hour away," Rhain assured her.

With that news, Daisy felt a bit relieved. At least her mother would be far from Katherine's reach. "Thank you for taking care of her," she murmured in gratitude.

"It is my pleasure," he replied, the sincerity of his words resonating in the darkness.

The sight of her home emerging from the shadows caused an unexpected twinge of disappointment to coil in her chest. The bizarre realization that she didn't want this night to end left her bewildered.

Beneath the veiled canopy of the woods, Rhain gently halted the horse, bringing their journey to a stillness that seemed almost foreign after the rhythmic trotting. He was first to dismount, his booted feet landing softly on the leaf-littered ground. Then, he turned to Daisy, his hands stretching towards her, to help her descend. 

As Daisy leaned into him, her fingers curling into the strength of his shoulders, Rhain effortlessly lifted her down from the horse. His hands, firm and gentle at once, helped her land softly onto her feet, leaving an imprint through the thin fabric of her wet nightgown. He held her there, a tantalizing nearness that had her heart pounding a frantic rhythm in her chest.

She dared to meet his gaze, drawn in by the mystery in his eyes. The color was odd, entrancing even, she noted. A symptom of the condition that had colored his skin, she supposed. 

As she maintained her grip on his shoulders, she felt a momentary shift, as though they were drawn even closer, the space between them narrowing. Would he kiss her again? 

A momentarily stillnes followed and she found herself at an arms length again. A smile flickered on his lips as he gently released her waist. "We should get you inside," he suggested, his voice pulling her back from her thoughts.

"Yes," was all she managed to reply, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hand extended, he guided her back towards the rear entrance of her home, retracing the path they had embarked on earlier. At the door, Daisy shrugged off his jacket, returning it to him with a soft, "Thank you for the nighttime escapade."

The corners of his lips lifted with a hint of a smile. "Thank you for coming with me," he reciprocated. 

In an action as swift as it was unexpected, he captured her hand. Holding her captive in his gaze, he brushed his lips across her hand, a soft reminder of their shared kiss that left a telling warmth blooming in her cheeks.

"Good night," he murmured, his bow a picture of gentlemanly courtesy before he gestured for her to go inside.

Returning his farewell with a whispered "Goodnight," Daisy slipped inside, managing to close the door before the palpable magnetism between them coaxed her into a reckless act. 

With her heart still thundering in her ears, she stole a moment to gather herself before tiptoeing back to her room, shedding her drenched attire for a dry one before slipping into bed.

Sleep, however, proved to be unattainable. The events of the night played on a loop in her mind: their shared kiss, the intimate horse ride, and the sight of Rhain in the rain. The image of his wet body, his face... 

Coupled with her mother's earlier attempted discussion on intimacy, Daisy found herself grappling with thoughts that she hadn't dared entertain before, wondering and yet fearful of what she was uncovering.

The topic of intimacy was a terrifying labyrinth to Daisy. It was a realm of human interaction that she had heard about through whispered tales ranging from blissful enchantment to gruesome nightmares. Yet, in her mind, there persisted an element of fear, the thought of being so… exposed. A chill traversed her spine at the thought, and her earlier sense of excitement quickly receded. Inviting sleep seemed far more comforting than succumbing to such thoughts. 

As morning crept into her room, Helena, unaware of Daisy's midnight adventure, tried to rouse her from sleep.

"Daisy? Are you ill again?" She wondered, concerned when Daisy remained stubbornly attached to the soft comforts of her bed despite Helena's efforts.

"No, I just need more sleep," Daisy mumbled, her voice muffled by the pillow.

"More?" Helena echoed in disbelief, given Daisy's usual promptness in waking up.

Reaching out to check Daisy's forehead for a possible fever, she was met with reassurances. "I'm fine, Mother. Just need a bit more sleep."

"Alright," Helena agreed, leaving Daisy to her rest.

Whether it was moments or hours later, Daisy wasn't sure, but Helena was shaking her awake again, anxiety edging her voice. "Daisy! Why didn't you inform me a carriage was coming to escort us to... my new home?"

The unexpected revelation had Daisy bolting upright, sleep chased away in an instant. "Oh!" She gasped, realization hitting her. "I forgot!" She leaped from her bed, stress quickening her movements. "Mother, you need to pack most of your things. Is the carriage already here?"

"Yes, the driver is waiting, so get dressed quickly and help me."

Daisy moved quickly, freshening up, changing her clothes, and then aiding her mother with the packing. Thomas appeared at the door, an unhappy frown marring his features. "You never told me you were moving out," he addressed Helena.

"Now's not the time, Thomas," Helena responded, her focus dedicated to her packing.

Casting a glance at her father, Daisy wondered if he was genuinely upset about Helena leaving. 

"You don't have to live so far and alone," he began, trying to reason with her mother.

Daisy bit back a retort, her eyebrows arching at her father's words. What did that even mean?

"It is not far from Daisy," Helena retorted.

"But it's still lonely for a woman to live by herself," Thomas pressed.

Suppressing her urge to dispute her father, Daisy bit her lip and hurried to pack instead. Once all their belongings were ready, Helena turned to Thomas, her tone icy. "Will you help me take my luggage down?"

A tension knotted in Thomas's jaw, a silent struggle visible in his eyes, but eventually he relented, assisting them in carrying Helena's belongings downstairs. As soon as they emerged from the house, a footman briskly relieved them of their luggage.

Katherine stood on the porch, her arms folded defensively across her chest, her eyes casting a venomous glare. The woman was still ungrateful. 

Their luggage was efficiently stored into the carriage, and the footman courteously helped them step inside. Just before the carriage door swung shut, Daisy noticed her father's grim expression.

"You haven't eaten," Helena pointed out as the carriage began its gentle roll forward.

Daisy let out a resigned sigh. "It's alright. I'm not hungry."

"Your wedding is tomorrow," Helena brought up the topic tentatively, studying Daisy's reaction.

Daisy gave a shrug. "I'm alright."

Resigned to Daisy's stoicism, Helena didn't press further. As they traveled, Daisy found herself staring through the carriage window, thoughts drifting away, wondering about the life that awaited her after marriage. She would be the marchioness. She could still not believe it or maybe she just couldn't comprehend the meaning of it. Only a few weeks prior, Rhain was a stranger, known to her only by reputation, and now, he was on the verge of becoming her husband.

Her heart skipped, her stomach fluttering with a strange sense of anxiety. Was this the nervousness her father had been talking about? Was reality hitting her just now? 

After a long ride, the carriage came to a halt. The footman promptly swung the carriage door open, and as Helena and Daisy descended, they found themselves standing before an elegant, moderately sized manor. It stood amidst a neatly tended garden, surrounded by a white picket fence that added an inviting feel to the place.  0

"Is this..." Helena's voice trailed off, her gaze caught by the sight.

"Yes, My Lady. This is your new home," the footman confirmed.

Helena turned towards Daisy, her eyes wide in surprise. Daisy herself was taken aback. Rhain had secured a sizeable mansion for Helena to live in alone. He had the means, certainly, but the generosity of his gesture was unexpected.

They drank in the sight of the new home, their awe interrupted by a familiar voice. "Is it to your liking?"

Daisy swiveled around to find Rhain standing behind them. 

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