Free Honor Reclaimed (All About Honor) by Kathleen Reagan Page A

That
was my past life and I have worked very hard to live down my past.   Johane and I developed a working
relationship, and I have much to be grateful to her for, but I could not say
that we were ever-close friends.   I
do feel like Eirian and I could be close, and I do not want to spoil it by
having her think of her husband making love to me every time we talk.   Could you agree with me on that?”   Gwendolyn asked.
    “Believe me, I have been through
that with one wife, I do not need to repeat that experience.   Your not so secret ‘secret’ is safe
with me. She may hear of it from someone else, but not from me I assure
you.”   John was relieved to have
that out of the way because he had worried that Gwendolyn might tell Eirian
herself.   His marriage to Johane
had suffered greatly from his one encounter affair with Gwendolyn and he did
not need a repeat performance.
    Gwendolyn gave John a hug of thanks,
only to look up and see Eirian coming around the corner.   Eirian stopped dead in her tracks when
she saw John holding Gwendolyn in his arms.   She got light headed and felt as though she were about to
faint.   Gwendolyn immediately saw
her distress while John, who had his back to Eirian, was not even aware of her
presence.   Gwendolyn pushed away
from John and darted past him just in time to grab Eirian around the waist,
leaning Eirian’s body against herself, as she started to slide to the
ground.   John grabbed her up in his
arms and carried her to the bench setting her down gently.   He patted her cheeks and Gwendolyn
rubbed her wrist for better circulation.   Eirian began to revive slightly.   “What was going on here?” she asked when she was able to talk.
    “Nothing dear, I was just telling
John how happy I was for him.   When
Johane died, I was worried that he would never find happiness again.   I was congratulating him on your
marriage and the baby that is on the way.   I promise I have no designs on your husband.”   Gwendolyn reassured Eirian.
    “I apologize for being so silly and
I am embarrassed for causing a scene.   I have known John almost my entire life and he has never been anything
but honorable.   I should have known
better.”   She looked better and her
color was returning to normal.  
    “Let’s get you in out of the
sun.   Do you need me to carry
you?”   John asked still worried
about her condition.
    “No love, I will be alright just
stay close please, in case I get dizzy again.” she replied as she arose from
the bench.  
    John helped her up and put his arm
around her waist, holding her close as they walked back to the manor.   He helped her up the stairs and to the
bedchambers.   “I think it is time
for you to take a nap.   You have
been pushing yourself too hard for the last few days and I do not want you to
over tax yourself.   See if you can
get some rest before dinner.”   John
encouraged.
    “I would rest a lot better if you
joined me first.   I could use a
little exercise.”   Eirian
encouraged feeling the need of physical reassurance.
    John smiled down at her, “I am
always willing to be of service Madame,” John climbed in bed beside her and it
was nearly an hour before either one gave another thought to sleeping.
    Dinner was a much smaller affair
these days than it was when Johane had first come to the Vann.   All of the John’s cousins were married
and lived with their husbands on their own estates with the exception of Thomas
who was the heir apparent to this estate, and Elle, who with her child, were
visiting cousins at the moment.   Meaningful conversion was more the order of the day.  
    Sir Edward now well into his
seventies, but with his health restored, headed the table and directed much of
the conversation.   “John, I know
that you have enjoyed playing the land lord and dabbling in local politics, but
I think it is time that we put your talents to work in London.   Your uncle William has seen to our
legal needs, with