Letitia
I'm half disappointedto be arriving home after the Swan Dance. My hair is still a little damp from our time in the lake and I'm unable to rid thoughts of my conversation with Philip.
He told me that he loves me.
Even the memory of the words causes a warmth in my chest that can't be ignored. Especially because it makes me realise how I feel about him. I want to share every part of my life with him, no matter how small.
The carriage rolls to a stop, and Philip jumps out, reaching out a hand for me to take.
I place mine on top of his, sensing that something has changed between us, though I'm not certain precisely what. Maybe it is simply the change in what the two of us know about our relationship.
"Would you care to join me for a nightcap?" Philip says as we make our way back inside our home. It's quiet, suggesting that the Earl and Countess have already retired for the evening.
"Perhaps we should have one sent up for us," I respond.
He nods, trying to cover his disappointment, which is when I realise that I'm not being as obvious in my invitation as I'm trying to be.
"Let me escort you to your room and then you can call for your maid," he says.
I nod, not knowing how else to respond when I've already made things more confusing than they need to be.
"I had a lovely evening," I say. "The Swan Dance wasn't what I expected."
"Me neither," he admits. "And I'm glad I got to experience it for the first time with you."
"Do we get to go again next year?"
"I believe so. If you would like to. I don't think everyone goes every year, but there is an invitation for married swan shifters."
"I'd like to go if it means that I can spend more time with you," I admit, hoping he takes my meaning from it.
The two of us start climbing the stairs to the first floor, though it doesn't escape my notice that we're walking slower than we normally would, as if neither of us want the evening to end.
"I'm sure that can be arranged," he promises.
"And another trip to the opera?" I suggest.
"I didn't realise you enjoyed it so much."
"I enjoyed being able to talk to you in relative privacy," I respond.
He chuckles. "Then I shall endeavour to procure us more tickets. Though perhaps a carriage ride in the morning might be more immediate."
"I can't, Miss Rocke and Miss Falnor are visiting and I need to supervise the rearranging of the drawing room."
"Ah, yes, I can see how that might be time-consuming."
"I never thanked you properly for organising for me to have a space of my own."
"It isn't necessary," he reminds me.
"But it is appreciated."
We come to a stop outside my bedroom door, and I turn to him.
"I should bid you good night," he says, but he doesn’t move away.
"Or you could come in?" I suggest, lingering in the doorway.