WORDS

The parchment before him is momentarily forgotten, his
attention favouring his wife as he looks up upon her
entrance into his chambers. It takes but a moment for him
to register to what she refers and a moment still for him
to swallow thickly so as not to smile at his wife’s frustration.

    “Lady de Bourgh suggested you wear it this evening. Would
        you so thoroughly disappoint her ladyship, Elizabeth? ”