– Smile, my dear," Vivian whispered in her husband's ear, breaking him out of his memories. – And what made you think so much?
– Oh, my love, I am only remembering the day when my heart was set on fire with love for you," he whispered to her, and his eyes, shining with happiness, confirmed his words. – Do you remember that misty cold morning when you were lost and I found you and took you to my home?
– That morning… My dear, I couldn't forget it even if I wanted to," Vivian answered quietly with some irony in her voice, remembering how her aunt had thrown her out on the street.
But she had only learnt that it was Jeremy who had found her on the street, taken her in and taken care of her, when three weeks ago he had come so unexpectedly to the Salton house and, after spending a couple of hours with her and Charlotte in the garden, had suddenly asked Charlotte to leave him and her friend alone. When Miss Salton left the drawing-room with a broad but uncomprehending smile, Jeremy got down on one knee before Vivian and, without wasting time on a long monologue, confessed his love for her and asked her to be his wife.
– That morning I didn't know that my life would change so drastically! – Jeremy laughed softly. – I wish your cousin had been at our wedding. He's my best friend, you know.
– You're the one who insisted on the wedding happening so soon! – Vivian reminded him with a laugh. – So soon that my family could not have travelled from Casterbridge in time to attend!
– Forgive me, my love, I was so eager to possess you that I could not wait. But, as you asked, I have sent your family five thousand pounds sterling, and I think they should be pleased with it," Jeremy whispered, running his fingers along his wife's neck.
– 'Darling, you're forgetting yourself! We're not in our bedroom now, we're in the middle of guests! – Vivian frowned and gently pulled her husband's fingers away from her skin.
– To hell with these puffed-up hens and turkeys! You know I want you with every fibre of my being! – Jeremy whispered assertively, touching his lips to his beautiful young wife's cheek. – And, my love, when this damned ball is over, I will not let you sleep before I give you my caresses.
– Jeremy, darling, I promise you I will," Vivian replied patiently. – But at the moment, we are hosts to a ball and we have to entertain the guests whether we want to or not.