254 A shadow of gentle

«What have you done today?» Alexander asks while changing clothes. I'm already in bed, reading a book while waiting for him.

«Organised a tea party.»

«Oh, nice. Are you sure you want to hold one, by the way? You're not obliged, Thea. Do just what you want.»

I chuckle, amused by his worries. I'm not the scared puppy of last year, and I've understood my role better. Now, no one will dare to talk back to me.

«I am doing what I want, in fact,» I say.

«Do you want me to come and pay you a visit? It's something I heard the other noblemen do when they want to show their attachment to their wives...»

«Oh, don't,» I say.

It would be bad if he found out that I'm selling his paintings for profit! I'll just do the deed and tell him later when it's too late to stop me.

«No? You don't want me to attract anyone's attention?» he says with a grin.

I nod, letting him think that.