William didn't look at me directly. He approached his man and shrugged on his coat, then waved the man off. The boys hopped around, gushing with excited chatter until Frederick asked that one of the footmen take them inside for some lemonade. I was hurt to see the relief on William's face when the boys left us.
As all the civilities were accomplished, I studied William. To me, we had just parted a few days earlier, and to see him now I was shocked at what were to me, sudden changes.
At first, I thought him to be flushed with the heat and the physical play, but then I suspected that being red-faced was perhaps his state most of the time. He had gained some weight and it made him soft looking. He was by no means gross, but any disadvantages his youth and slenderness hid were now particularly noticeable. He become aware of my examination and stared at me full on, though said nothing.
"When you were here last, you assured us that in future you would give us ample notice before your visits," Frederick said, suddenly.
William turned to face him, but his eyes lingered a moment. "Yes, well, but this impromptu visit it couldn't be helped. I was in the neighbourhood and had some spare time." He turned back to me. "Time is a precious thing and should not be wasted. By-the-bye," he said, as he took something from his breast pocket. He handed me a letter, addressed with nothing more than, 'AE,' and continued, "I will want an answer as soon as possible."
As I took the packet, I could feel Frederick stiffen and shift with this ill-mannered bit of familiarity. I was about to say that a truly dutiful father would wish to make his son a proper visit next time rather than a whimsical pop round when I saw his eyes drop down to my waist. His left brow went up and a thin smile came over his face. He turned back to Frederick and said, "I see that congratulations are in order."
I dared not look at Frederick. I was mortified. I could feel the flush crawling up my neck to my face, compounding the already hot sun. His words were simple and reeked of indecency. I felt as though I were the one caught in flagrant impropriety.
"Thank you. We are very happy," was all Frederick said.
"It is good to see that the two of you carry on as if everything is normal and right."
Suddenly, I felt the heat of the day terribly. The back of my neck and forehead prickled with perspiration, nevertheless, I began to feel faint and a chill all over. I turned to Frederick and could see him responding to William's cryptic statement, though the sound of the words followed a bit behind. Everything began to slide to one side, and then all went black.
When I woke, Frederick was helping me up the stairs inside the house.
I paused for a moment when we reached the top, and said, "I think I am better now. There is no need for me to lay down." The truth be known, I did not wish to leave William's presence in such a state. I wanted to face him side-by-side with Frederick and wave him away from our home.
"I really don't care what you think, Annie. You need to be abed as soon as possible." With that, he picked me up as though I were one of the little boys and carried me to my room. My maid was tidying up and surprised by our sudden entrance. He set me on the bed, and said, "Look at yourself in the mirror if you don't think you need a rest." He kissed me on the forehead and gave orders that I be put to bed.
