Gold Coin and Freesia

“Congratulations on your marriage. I am Harry from the Bryant County family.”

Someone suddenly interrupted Cordelia and Edwin’s conversation. 

“It is an honor to be here for such a happy occasion.”

While Cordelia was startled, Edwin smoothly pulled her close.

“It is a bit embarrassing to meet a client like this.”

Edwin’s manner towards the Bryant Count was as natural as hosting a guest at home.

“Everyone in Rochester knows about you two. You should get used to it.”

“That’s true.”

“Now that you’re married, it will take some time before your next trade venture.”

“I indeed have no plans for a while.”

Edwin replied in a gentle voice.

Cordelia, not interested in the men’s business talk, discreetly shifted her attention elsewhere. There were always interesting and entertaining topics among the ladies.

“It’s unfortunate for Owen Gerald, isn’t it?”

“Certainly. As the youngest son of the Gerald Duke family, he was seen as the most promising suitor. He must feel quite upset.”

“Like being hit on the head unexpectedly.”

Cordelia chuckled at the discreet gossip about Owen. Edwin, noticing her childlike giggle, looked at her softly.

“We can’t leave the precious new bride alone right after the wedding.”

“…Are you talking about me?”

Realizing she was the topic of conversation, Cordelia widened her eyes. Edwin gave an innocent smile, as if he wasn’t trying to scold her.

“Well, I will take my leave…”

The Bryant Count looked at them with a smile, as if they were an adorable couple. He left, struggling to hold back his laughter.

Cordelia, hiding her awkwardness, looked into the distance with a reserved expression. Yet, she did not move away from Edwin.

Calling herself a new bride felt strange, but not unpleasant. She felt a bit proud to have Edwin by her side.

“If you get tired, let me know. The main couple can leave early.”

Cordelia nodded absentmindedly but then widened her eyes, a sudden thought crossing her mind.

Newlyweds could leave early because of the wedding night.

“They say it hurts a lot at first.”

“If the man is gentle, it won’t hurt as much.”

“Do you have experience?”

“No! I’ve just, heard that.”

Though there was no trace of such wickedness on Edwin’s face as he greeted the approaching guests, Cordelia remembered the gossip of the maids. And how they pretended nothing happened when Mrs. Lament appeared.

Cordelia knew it wasn’t the right time to think about such things, but the thoughts wouldn’t stop.

“Are you uncomfortable?”

Edwin noticed her distress. Unable to admit she was imagining their wedding night, Cordelia shook her head, flustered.

“My, my foot seems to be hurt.”

Edwin looked around for help, all eyes on them.

***

How did it come to this?

Cordelia blinked, now sitting on a bed in a thin, sheer nightgown.

“We can’t check it here…”

She had only lied about her foot, embarrassed about her thoughts. But Edwin took her out of the reception hall.

“Cordelia…”

Recalling her father’s shocked and sad face as she left early made Cordelia wish she could disappear. But she couldn’t explain herself there.

“Princess, Mr. Edwin will be here soon.”

Cordelia shivered at the announcement.

Edwin couldn’t examine her foot in the bridal room because Cordelia didn’t allow it. Guessing her embarrassment, he called for a doctor and stepped out for a while.

“This nightgown is too thin, I’m embarrassed.”

Cordelia clung to Mrs. Lament with a half-crying face. But Mrs. Lament said it was normal for nights with the husband.

“I’ll leave before Mr. Edwin arrives.”

“Mrs. Lament, please stay a bit longer.”

Cordelia tried to hold her back, but a knock on the door made her freeze. Mrs. Lament quickly left, ignoring Cordelia’s pleading look.

Cordelia had to face Edwin alone, who entered with slightly damp hair, dressed comfortably unlike his usual neat appearance.

“How’s your foot?”

Relaxed yet more alluring, Edwin’s face made Cordelia’s heart race.

“It’s fine.”

“May I check it now?”

No more hiding. As Cordelia nodded, Edwin approached the bed, placing her small foot on his palm, examining it carefully.

“Fortunately, there’s no serious injury.”

Cordelia nodded, feeling awkward. Edwin’s large hand felt hot against her foot.

“If you just stay still, he’ll take care of everything.”

Should she stay still or lower her leg? Unsure what to do, Cordelia hesitated. The tension between them was palpable. Cordelia froze, her breathing halting. Everything seemed to stop except her racing heart.

“If you are okay, then that’s it.”

Edwin gently placed her foot back on the bed. The sudden coldness against the soft bedding made her shiver.

It was her first time with a man, her first marriage. Everything was unfamiliar, but she knew this wasn’t normal.

They were bound as husband and wife, meant to consummate their marriage. But Edwin’s demeanor was far from intimate.

“You must be tired. How about a light meal?”

Edwin turned away and got off the bed. Cordelia wanted to ask what he was doing.

“Just wine, please.”

Unable to hide her frustration, she snapped. Edwin handed her a glass, acting naturally.

Cordelia watched him return to the table, feeling a surge of unjustified anger. She drank the wine in defiance.

“Drinking on an empty stomach will hurt your stomach.”

Is this how second marriages go? No excitement, no attraction to the new wife? Surely, I’m not that unattractive!

“Open your mouth.”

Lost in her thoughts, something touched her lips. Startled, Cordelia looked up. Her lips parted unconsciously.

Cheese slipped into her mouth. Cordelia stared at Edwin, bewildered.

“Chew.”

He urged her, treating her like a child.

” ……”

His large, cold hand touched her chin, making her flinch. Her jaw moved as he instructed, chewing the cheese.

What am I doing?

Cordelia thought, confused. She couldn’t understand Edwin’s behavior. She didn’t like feeling like she was trying to figure him out.

“Are you treating me like a child?”

Edwin chuckled at her question.

“I wouldn’t be here with a child.”

“Then why are you feeding me like one and just leaving me alone?”

Surprised by her bold question, Edwin raised an eyebrow. He hadn’t expected such words from her.

“So you know what happens on the wedding night?”

“Don’t treat me like a fool! I know we have to consummate the marriage.”

Cordelia answered boldly. For a naive princess, her response was quite daring. Edwin watched her with interest.

“And do you know how to consummate the marriage?”

Cordelia fell silent at that.