*Esma*
The wind continued to howl outside, locking us all within the cocoon of the dining room.
With the storm, the darkness was arriving earlier. Candles flickering on the table. Dishes are passed around, mutton, potatoes, and beans heaped on plates, and silence reign, except for the occasional scraping of silver over china.
What surprised me most is that Jamie came to the table cleanly shaven, once again wearing his waistcoat, neckcloth, and jacket. No matter how he appears… like a ruffian or a gentleman… The sight of him does strange things to my stomach, making it flip over again and again. He sits at the head of the table while Eden and I are on either side of him.
My father never commanded that seat as Jamie does… as naturally as though he were a king. I fight not to imagine how
