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the way. It was beginning to feel awkward.”
    He reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
    “I know.”
    Abigail slid her hand out from under his and continued with her meal. Once she finished, she wiped her mouth, and carefully laid the serviette next to her plate. Taking in a deep breath, she said, “There is also one more thing I would like to address.”
    “Yes?”
    A slight blush began on her neck above the lace on her bodice. It slowly spread to her face as she fiddled with her spoon, swallowing several times. She glanced at him, then back down again, extremely interested in the pattern on the plate holding a piece of bread. Her fingers began to crumble the bread as she worked her mouth, apparently having a problem forming whatever words she intended to speak.
    What the devil was the problem now? She definitely looked decidedly uneasy.
    Abigail blurted, “I don’t wish to consummate our marriage just yet.”

Chapter Four
    Joseph swallowed his drink and was overtaken by a paroxysm of coughing. He didn’t believe he’d heard correctly. Did his new wife just tell him she had no desire to join him in bed on their wedding night? Based on her red face and the nervous fumbling she was doing with her spoon, he had a sinking feeling that was exactly what she’d just said. But this was Abigail! The most outspoken, strong and independent of the Lacey girls. She’d never been a bashful miss, and there certainly was nothing shy or retiring about her.
    Then it struck him. She was still in love with Redgrave. After all the man had done to her. Despite the disgrace and humiliation, her feelings for the cad were still so strong she could not give herself to her husband. The hurt at her rejection was swiftly shoved aside as anger took over.
    “As you wish, madam. Far be it from me to force my own wife to my bed.”
    Abigail’s head jerked up, and she stared at him wide-eyed. She stiffened and nodded. “Very well, then.”
    “That is your desire—I mean, your preference?”
    “Yes. Indeed. I would like to wait.”
    “For what?”
    “Well. Until I feel—you know—until such time that it seems…appropriate.” She finished lamely.
    His eyebrows rose. “Appropriate? We are married.”
    “I know that, but it was all so sudden.”
    Sudden? They’d known each other since she was out of leading strings. His gut tightened when he wondered if she would have given this ultimatum to Redgrave. Before his brain could take control of his mouth, the words were out. “Is that the arrangement you had with Redgrave?”
    Abigail paled and gasped. “No. That is, we never discussed it.”
    He leaned forward. “Why did you not discuss it?”
    “It never came up, and besides we were betrothed for a few months. So we were more familiar.”
    “Familiar? My dear wife, I have seen you with your undergarments plastered to your body as you came out of the lake after swimming with your sisters.”
    “I was eleven years old!”
    Joseph downed the rest of his brandy and called for more. He slid his empty bowl away from him as the innkeeper brought a bottle and placed it on the table.
    “When you are ready to retire, Mr. Fox, my wife has a special room prepared for you and your new wife.”
    Joseph grunted as he poured the brandy into his glass.
    “Thank you, Weston,” Abigail said. “If your wife will be so kind as to show me to our room, I am ready to retire.”
    Joseph muttered under his breath, then swilled the brown liquid in his glass. It was just as well he’d learned that Abigail’s feelings were still engaged. She’d been right. Their marriage was no more than an arrangement for two people to work together to build the school, attend to the needs of his parishioners, and produce children. Although the producing of children would be a tad difficult if she did not want to share his bed.
    “I will see you upstairs.” Abigail slid back her chair as the