269: A hospitable Egon

A hospitable Egon

Beyond the intricately designed stained glass windows of their room, Lanark's summer sun stretched its warm fingers.1

Adela roused from her slumber, her body cocooned in the afterglow of a peaceful night's rest. Beside her, Egon remained, his breathing a steady lullaby in the room. The previous night had been a torrent of emotions and vows exchanged, sealed with long sessions of lovemaking in bed and in the shower.

Indeed, it was the most rejuvenating sleep Lady Adelaide de Lanark had ever experienced.

Every fiber of Adela's body was alive with the presence of her husband by her side – his masculine fragrance, the rhythmic flutter of his eyes opening and closing, his deep breaths, and the mirroring smiles they exchanged with their drowsy gazes every now and then.

It was evident that they had no intention of departing from their bed.

***

Upon waking up yet another time, a shift in her registered, and with a delicate smile playing on her lips, she grasped the change – the towels had been replaced with the gown she had laid out for the morning after. She did not know when or how he did it, but Egon's thoughtful gesture warmed her heart.

"Decided to wake up for real this time, have we?" he teased, his morning voice tingling within her.

She inched closer to him, nestling into his embrace, a surge of profound contentment washing over her.

"A busy day awaits," she mused, a playful complaint in her tone.

His lips wandered in tender succession over her features – forehead, eyelids, the bridge of her nose – leaving a trail of affection with each touch.

"Am I a fool to keep you in Lanark where they can reach you so easily?"

She shook her head. "It was my father's wish for us to remain in Lanark."

His fingers caressed her hair in a soothing rhythm.

"Let's test how long I can keep you in Lanark's embrace."

A lighthearted laugh escaped her lips, though she sensed the seriousness behind his words.

He shifted, elevating himself slightly and prompting her head to rest more comfortably on the pillow. As he reached for his gloves, he shot her a bemused look.

"What's with that expression?" he inquired.

She blushed at his question, uncertain of what exactly her face revealed. But the sight of his chiseled torso and the fact that he was covered with nothing except for the gloves he wore stirred memories of their hot moments the night before.

A mischievous smirk tugged at his lips. "Perhaps a change of topic is in order, especially considering our audience."

As if on cue, a knock resonated through their house.

"I'll handle that. You, on the other hand..." she looked him up and down nervously, "Put something on you."

"...Of course, Master."

Blushing a deeper shade of red, Adela swung her legs out of the bed. She immediately noticed that the previous day's stinging sensation had significantly subsided.

Thank Goodness!

With newfound energy, she hurried down the stairs to answer the door for the maids. However, what lay before her was a grand entrance that she had never foreseen.

In the doorway stood the Archduchess herself in a magnificent mahogany gown that harmonized with the hue of her hair, elegantly arranged in an updo. Beside her was the Baroness, her eyes sparkling, her smile wide. Following them, a procession of maids poured forth, their numbers exceeding the capacity of Egon's renovated house.

Adela's husband, who had caught up with her in an impossibly swift manner, fully dressed, was about to offer a greeting, but his intentions were halted by the sudden advance of Adela's mother.

"Adelaide!"

It was as if the Archduchess hadn't seen her daughter for merely a few hours, but rather for several years. She pulled Adela into her embrace, her gaze and hands hovering over her daughter's face and form as if seeking a physical manifestation of the transformation that had transpired within her over the previous hours.

"Are you in too much pain?" Grace inquired aloud, causing Adela to blush profusely.

The Baroness cleared her throat rather conspicuously.

Egon took a step forward, his voice infused with the warmth of hospitality. "Your Excellancy, Baroness, do come in."

As the newlyweds made way, a meaningful glance passed between the Archduchess and the Baroness. Grace's expression seemed to soften, a response to Egon's welcoming demeanor. With a gracious nod, the noblewomen crossed the threshold, followed by the procession of maids.

Egon's gaze shifted to his wife, noticing that the morning's sweet smile had transformed into a composed expression that mirrored the Archduchess and the Baroness. She seemed to have assumed another version of herself.

He extended his arm, his eyes holding a glimmer of amusement. "My Lady, may I offer you my arm?"

Adela nodded and accepted Egon's arm.

As they entered the main sitting area of the house, Adela appreciated her husband's impeccable manners. Egon gracefully guided the Archduchess to a comfortable chair, while the Baroness settled beside her. His arm remained securely around Adela's waist, leading her to a sofa positioned across from the women's chairs. He only took a seat himself after ensuring Adela was comfortably settled.

With a warm smile, he turned to the Archduchess. "May I offer you some tea?"

The Archduchess nodded in approval. "That would be lovely, Sir Egon."

Egon signaled to a nearby maid, who quickly went to work preparing the tea in the kitchen.

Adela watched with admiration as her husband effortlessly assumed the role of a gracious host, making their first guests feel at home.

Her Beast was, indeed, a perfect gentleman.

As the tea was served, Egon engaged the Archduchess and the Baroness in light conversation, transitioning from one topic to another, artfully balancing his attention between the two women, drawing them into the comfortable atmosphere he had cultivated within his home.

No. This is not Egon von Conradie.

A tingling sensation pricked at Adela's neck. Was her introverted husband pushing himself to transform into someone he believed she wanted him to be? If so, was this a positive development?

The answers eluded her in the present moment.

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