By the time Lady Steinhouse descended for breakfast the next morning, she had a small smile on her face. The fact that everyone seemed to be avoiding making eye contact with her, made her blush. She knew most of the household if not all had heard her pleasurable screams and moans the night before. Thinking of last night, she almost hid in shame. The fact that she could not help her loud shouts and moans pleased Walter greatly. She blamed him for the embarrassment she was facing. But thinking about it, why should she be shy? She was no more some widow, she was married now. It would be weird if there were no such incidents like last night. Thinking that far, she raised her head and harrumphed at the attention. It pleased her greatly.
She walked down to join Walter for breakfast. He but only glanced at her when she walked in, before continuing to eat. She pouted at his lack of interest and took a seat beside him. Her breakfast was served when the head guard appeared. He made a bow towards Helen, then frowned at Walter. Helen frowned at his action and wanted to talk, but Walter beat her to it.
"What is it?" he asked the head guard.
"I wished to know the places you frequent, my... my lord. So that we could be better prepared for when you need to visit," the head guard struggled with the idea of calling Walter his lord.
"That is unnecessary. I will move without guards," Walter only glanced at him before saying.
"Unacceptable, my lord. You may be unaware, but those of nobility need ample protection," the head guard protested. Though his words seemed to advise, it was clear he was pointing out Walter's background. Truthfully, the guard was not sure of this new lord's background. All he knew was that he was not nobility. As far as he was concerned, it was probably the king's doting nature that resulted in him allowing the lady to marry below her status.
"Guard Holden!" Lady Steinhouse scolded.
"Enough, Helen," Walter stopped her. She knew she was not supposed to interfere, so she unwillingly went quiet.
"Your advice is noted. Return," he instructed Guard Holden and he retreated.
"You should have fired him," Helen said and Walter raised a brow, causing her to look down guiltily. She thought he was angry about her telling him how to handle his guard, but Walter was not angry at all.
"Why would you even suggest that? He is loyal to you. It is important he stay, especially with the new development," Walter said and she was confused.
"New development?" she asked.
"Nothing," he said brushing it away, "I will be out today. I'm not sure when I'm returning, so don't wait," Walter said and she frowned but nodded. Walter finished his meal and asked for his coat. A maid to deliver it and he wore it. He made sure he had with him, his wedding present; which was an envelope and turned to the unhappy Helen.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I thought you would accompany me today. We have not even talked about our honeymoon. I wanted to go to the Lockshim countryside," she muttered. Her behaviour caused the maids by the corner to lower their heads to hide their smiles.
"You want to go to the Lockshim countryside?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. She nodded in agreement.
"We'll see," he said.
"Really?" she seemed to glow instantly.
"It will depend on how good you are. Be good and stay home," he said before leaving.
"I wanted to take mother-in-law shopping today," she said, but he did not turn. He mounted his horse and left.
"When have I never been good?" she bit her lips, feeling wronged.