– We have been sent invitations again. Three to be exact," said the landlord. – But I have no desire to attend another ball. I'm tired of them.
– Very well, my dear. Let's stay at home and make the most of our time," said his wife, who had also had enough of balls and soirees.
– What post have you received, my love? – Jeremy asked, kissing his wife's white, graceful neck with a possessive look.
– A letter from Anthony. He congratulated us on our marriage and wished us well," Vivian replied briefly, carefully spreading a tiny amount of butter on half a small bun.
– Did he write when he would return to London?
– 'I can't remember, my dear. His niece is still bedridden.
– And the second letter?
"Is he checking my post?" – Vivian was unpleasantly surprised, but dared not say it aloud.
– It's from Casterbridge," she answered in an even tone. – But I haven't opened it yet.
– I want to read it," Jeremy said with a smile.
– I'm sorry, my dear, but I'm not going to let you read my private correspondence," Mrs. Wington said calmly.
– What are you afraid of? – Jeremy narrowed his eyes.
– 'I'm not afraid of anything, my dear. It's just a letter from my father. I think he's asking you for money again.
– If it's a letter from your father, why won't you show it to me? – Mr. Wington insisted again with a smile, but with a cold glint in his eyes.
– 'Because this letter is meant for me and not for you, my love. – Fortunately, Vivian was perfectly in control of herself and did not let her emotions take over. – But, my dear, do you suspect me of something?
– Not at all, my angel. Well, tell your father he won't get more than a thousand pounds this time. What's he already spent what you sent him a little while ago?
– He's trying to rebuild his print shop and needs to buy new equipment. – Vivian nonchalantly continued to butter her bun. – But, my dear, you must not send him money. Not yet. I think he realises he's asking for too much.
– When is he going to visit you and meet your husband? – Jeremy wiped his lips with his napkin and threw it on the empty plate.
– I don't know, he's so busy with his printing business," Vivian smiled back. She brought the bun to her mouth, but stopped suddenly and dropped it on the plate. – 'After breakfast I want to go to Charlotte's. We're going to entertain ourselves by singing.
– 'Not today.
"Stubborn fool. I need to buy back my jewellery!" – screamed the girl inside her, but not a muscle in her face trembled.
– 'Not today, my dear?
– We are going hunting.
Vivian looked at her husband's face with misunderstanding.
He answered her with a shining smile.
– Jeremy, you know how I feel about hunting," Vivian said quietly. There was a deep wrinkle between her eyebrows.
– I'll do the shooting, and all you have to do is enjoy the running of the horse.
– But I don't want to watch you kill innocent animals," she said grimly.
– No one is forcing you to watch it. You can always close your eyes or turn your face away," Jeremy said in a noncommittal tone.
– Please don't insist. Besides, I've already made Charlotte a promise…
– I'm sorry you're going to have to break it.
Jeremy's face was so unruffled and his gaze so intense and burning that Vivian knew she would not be able to buy back her jewellery today. Instead, she would have to fulfil the wish of her hard-hearted husband.
