Chapter 27
Cynthia
Sunday — Final Banns
I sit there with Teresa and Foxford in their Harding pews, keeping my gaze straight ahead. I cannot bear to look over at the Barringtons right now. It must distress my friends that I left in such a hurry, but I couldn’t stomach Charles’s rejection one more moment.
As we go through the service, I glance over at him, but he keeps his face straight ahead as well. Seems we both are in agreement that this is best.
I sit there, squirming in my seat as heat engulfs my body. I can’t bear to be in these stuffy clothes a minute longer. Hopefully, I’m not getting sick. Or, if I am, maybe it will keep Henhaven from partaking in his marital duties.
Just the thought of him above me, thrusting away while I lie still underneath makes my stomach churn until nausea bubbles up my throat. I’m sure even that part of the act will be dull. What if I fall asleep during it?
As the sermon ends, I rise with the Hardings and head out the door, refusing to look one way or the other. Charles watches my actions, though. I can feel his eyes boring into my back as we leave. What else can I say? What else can I do?