The Squire on a White Horse

Chapter 13.1. Florence

“It’s over…”

I muttered as I slumped down on the bench of the carriage.

The formal ceremony went off without a hitch with a beautiful hymn sung by the boys’ choir.

I think I did a good job of smiling and bailing out behind Stanley as he smiled and greeted the guests as they came to greet him. I was good at acting like a cat, but it was all I could do to keep my cheeks from twitching in the second half.

I was able to talk to Joseph for a bit. I was also able to talk to my brothers and sisters I hadn’t seen in a while. Their kids were adorable, and I was able to say thank you and goodbye to my parents, even though I cried a lot.

I made it through the day with flying colors.

Stanley, my comrade in arms, must have been exhausted, but he was sitting across from me with his back straight as if he were a borrowed cat.

Noticing my gaze, he lowered his eyes awkwardly.

“It’s a little… uncomfortable.”

I laughed at that.

Just a few months ago we had an insurmountable wall, and when I was in the carriage, Stanley would sit next to me outside, no matter how cold or hot it was.

Even though we were now married and in the same position, I knew how it felt to be uncomfortable.

“You’ll get used to it.”

After an hour or so, we finally arrived at Stanley’s house. This was the only home I’d ever go back to.

It was indeed one of the most commercial districts in the country. It was one of the biggest buildings among the many glittering buildings that had become my home.

After being introduced to the maid who would take care of me, I sank unbearably into the living room sofa. Stanley looked down at me.

“What would you like to eat?”

“Well, I’ll have a light one. What about you?”

“I can’t eat too much either.”

Stanley looked back at the maid who was standing nearby.

“Can you make me something to eat in the living room right away?”

“Yes, right away.”

While she was making me something, I went into the other room to loosen my corset and returned to the living room. Stanley, who had also loosened his clothes, was sitting on the couch and stood up when he saw my face. He smiled and encouraged me to sit down with the palm of his hand, then sat down on the couch next to me.

I wondered how long it would take him to get used to living with me.

We drank hot coffee together and sighed together.

“Tomorrow I’ll show you the inside of the house. It’s small, but there’s a courtyard and a terrace, both in full bloom.”

“Really?”

It didn’t look like they had a garden, so I was delighted.

Stanley had a few days off. Normally we would be on our way to our honeymoon, but I was not quite ready to leave the country. We promised to take in the sights of the district.

Soon the maid brought me a plate of sandwiches with smoked fish and vegetables.

I didn’t think I would be able to eat that much, but as soon as I took a bite, my appetite returned. I ended up devouring the entire plate and was offered more cheese.

“I’d like a glass of wine.”

“Not today.”

I shrugged my shoulders in dismissal. If I drank now, I would probably fall asleep within seconds.

Even now, with a bloated stomach and a soft couch to sit on, I’m sure I’ll fall asleep if I’m not careful.

Today, as expected.

“I’m tired…”

I let out a sigh, and Stanley looked up.

“If you’re not feeling well, My Lady, you can come to me right away.”

“Stanley.”

I interrupted his usual overprotection by calling his name.

“We’re husband and wife now. How long are you going to call me ‘My Lady’?”

His face was visibly dismayed. His eyes wavered and didn’t come back.

“…Miss Florence.”

“Call me that. I’m not a nobleman’s daughter anymore, I’m your wife.”

I tried to be a little mean about it, but unusually he didn’t notice.

Stanley looked up as if he had made up his mind and muttered, “Florence,” and then added, “Miss,” as if he couldn’t resist.

Groaning, Stanley covered his face with his hands.

“No, my ingrained squire mentality is…”

My earnestness seems to have backfired in this situation. It’s not something you want your employees to see.

“Just take your time and get used to it.”

“Very well, My Lady…”

“I also wish you would stop using such formal honorifics.”

“I’m sorry, My Lady…”

We looked at each other and laughed at the prospect.

After the meal, we were allowed to use Stanley’s next bath. 

I was carefully combed, eau de cologne was applied to my hair and body, and I put on the sleeping clothes that had been provided.

I was so thin and fragile that I finally understood the reason for the eau de cologne and why Stanley had said no wine today. I’d been so overwhelmed that I’d forgotten that there were still events left to attend to.

For some reason, I felt strangely comfortable in my room, sitting on my bed, waiting for Stanley.

Finally, a discreet knock sounded and I answered it, and it was Stanley who came in, wearing loose loungewear and a gown.