When Jeremy proposed to her… Jeremy Wington! The one who had just lost his father and inherited his fortune (The Times wrote about it)! The rich as Croesus handsome young man, who threw his love and his money at her feet, first astonished Vivian with his proposal, and then, after listening to her doubts that she, a waif, was not worthy to be his spouse, firmly assured her that all he needed was herself, and he would never reproach her for not bringing him a pound sterling. "You, dear Miss Cowell, are the greatest treasure, the greatest jewel to me. And if you become my wife, I promise you will never hear a word from me that I once took you as a penniless girl. I love you. Desperately and sincerely," said Jeremy at that moment, and his voice was so firm and his look so resolute that Vivian realised what an unexpected, wonderful surprise Fate had given her. And the girl said: "yes," and a week and a half later Jeremy put a beautiful ring with a large emerald on her finger and ushered her into his London home as his lawful wedded wife, life partner, and mistress of all that he owned. "I've got my luck by the tail!" – thought Vivian, looking round the huge, beautiful mansion, standing almost in the heart of London. The heavy ring on her ring finger and the emerald, as green as Mrs. Wington's eyes, reminded her that this was no dream, that Lady Cranford's poor relative was now the wife of a rich, handsome young gentleman. But her first wedding night, when Jeremy threw her innocent wife into the maelstrom of his passion, made her cry with fear of him and his burning love to her…

– Vivian? Darling, are you all right? – Vivian heard Charlotte's concerned voice as if through a fog.

Blinking, Vivian returned her thoughts from the master bedroom to the ballroom and, looking around, replied with a smile:

– I'm perfectly fine! It's just… I was just trying to remember about whether we had sent an invitation to the de Croix family," she found herself.

"No, Charlotte won't know about anything. Let her think me happy," decided the girl. She knew that her husband was watching her. Watching her like an inquisitor watches his victim.

– Ah, yes, I don't think I've seen a single de Croix all evening! – Charlotte giggled. – But I wish I could have seen Mademoiselle de Croix's face! Just think of it: the Duke of Nightingale marrying Miss Beckley, and you, too, did not hesitate and married very well! Poor Lucy! I think, with her father's reputation, she'll be an old maid for life!

– I couldn't agree more. God be with her, that Frenchwoman… But she'll never set foot in my house! – Vivian winked at her friend. – But it seems that a new dance is about to begin, and I promised it to my husband.

– He loves you so much," Charlotte smiled. – He keeps his eyes on you.

– Well, it's wonderful to be loved by your husband, isn't it? – Vivian said with irony in her voice, but with a sudden coldness in her bosom.

When the music died down, the guests, satisfied and tired, went home, the candlelight, which had recently brightened the whole house, was extinguished, and the servants began to clean up after the merry and noisy ball.

Walking towards their matrimonial bedroom, hand in hand, the newlyweds Wingtons were silent. The light of the three candles sitting securely in the silver candlestick Jeremy carried in his hand danced and made the shadows of those walking shiver. But it was not only the shadows that trembled – it was Vivian's soul that trembled.

– Darling, this ball has made me so tired," Vivian said with a shy smile. – Please let me spend the night alone in one of the guest rooms.

– No," Jeremy said and turned his face to her face and smiled crookedly. – Are you afraid of me, my love?

– Not at all," Vivian answered him calmly, but his beautiful, predatory smile made her swallow. – I'm just very tired and would like to sleep alone tonight. And you've had too much to drink tonight, haven't you?

– No," Jeremy said firmly. – You are my wife, and I want you.

They stopped in front of the tall doors leading to their bedroom.

Jeremy opened the door and stared into Vivian's face. The fire of lust and unbridled passion burned in his eyes.

– Remember, my love, you will sleep only with me. Only in my arms. Always," he said quietly, leaning down to her ear. Then, pulling away, he gripped his wife's elbow firmly and pushed her towards the open door.

Vivian forced herself to smile and, praying that this night would soon turn into morning, walked into the bedroom.

– Vivian?

The girl flinched and, like a thief caught red-handed, hurriedly turned round at the voice of her spouse. Her face, in the early morning light, was pale and frightened. After a moment Vivian smiled, and, putting on a warm long dressing gown, went to the bed, but did not sit down, but stopped at some distance, so that Jeremy could not force her back to bed.

– Sleep, my love. It's still only early morning," she said affectionately.

– Then why aren't you in bed? – Jeremy frowned sleepily.

– I can't sleep… I'll go to the library and read a book," Vivian tilted her head to the side and gave her husband a kiss and added: – If Jane arrives before you get up, send her to me. All right, my dear?

– Since when did you become an early bird? – Jeremy narrowed his eyes, but then he smiled and leaned back against the cushions, closing his eyes and adding, "Tell them to build a fire in the library. I don't want you to be cold, my love.

– I'll do it myself. But you sleep, my love, sleep. – Vivian silently came close to the bed, leaned over to her husband's handsome, sleepy face and kissed him on the cheek, which made him smile sweetly.