lost things she wanted. Weren't you cheated of a normal courtship, of the opportunity to take your time with her and let the relationship develop more naturally?”
“Yes.” The bleakness in his son's voice rivaled the view through the office window.
“Doesn't it bother you?” Adrian insisted.
“Yes.” Christopher ceased staring at the rain and focused on his desk.
“You now have to look at this woman—your wife—and see painful injuries on her body and know someone harmed her and you were powerless to prevent
it.” I wish I didn't have to say it, but he can't pretend it isn't an important aspect of their relationship.
“I know. I hate that!” Christopher exclaimed, audibly grinding his molars.
“You should hate it. It's monstrous.”
“My poor Katerina.” Christopher's voice broke. He looked out the window
again for a long moment. Then, eyes red, he turned back to his paperwork, ending the conversation.
Adrian regarded his son. This is not going to be a rescue forever. Christopher has progressed well down the road towards loving his wife. His father
recognized all the signs. If his love means anything to Katerina, someday, Lord
willing, they will have the kind of vital marriage they both claim to want.
Father and son worked in silence for a long period, Adrian letting
Christopher regain his composure, and then he spoke again. “You know, it might
not be a bad idea for you two to take a little… trip together. A sort of wedding
tour. You jumped back into everyday life three days after your marriage.”
Christopher pondered the suggestion. “You know, you're right, but who will
take care of… all of this,” he indicated his desk, “if I went away?”
“Let your brother do it,” Adrian suggested. “He needs a taste of the family business. I know how you run things, and I can guide him.”
“Interesting thought,” Christopher replied, smirking.
Adrian also smiled at the thought of his youngest child, a towering, flame-haired yet bookish adolescent, working in the family business he hated.
Then, Christopher spoke again. “Where should I take her? The south of
France might be nice this time of year, and we both speak the language rather well.”
Adrian sighed at the typical newlywed mistake. “Ask her where she wants to
go. She might prefer Italy.”
“Ah, good point.” Christopher turned to face his father. “So, you would be in
favor of me taking an extended holiday on short notice?”
“I really would,” Adrian assured him. “This is your family, son. Your
marriage is for life. It's important.”
“Well, all right then, Father. Thank you very much.” His grin told Adrian how much Christopher liked the idea of spending time alone with his wife.
Adrian smiled also. He had been married a long time himself, but he could
still remember the potent blend of desire and tenderness that accompanied the early days. Honestly, nothing much changed over the decades except those
sizzling feelings deepened and strengthened. With luck, Christopher and
Katerina's marriage would do the same.
“I think you'll do quite nicely,” Katerina said, surprising herself with her calm, businesslike manner. It's because this young woman is so personable. Something
about her just makes me feel comfortable. She's not as experienced as the older
lady who stopped by an hour ago, but that woman reminded me of my lady'smaid Marietta. A chill threatened to run up her spine, but she suppressed it.
Judgmental and grumpy has no place in this household.
