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“You said something rather upsetting to me, once.”
Steris looked up at him in surprise. “I…I did?”
“Yes.” He grabbed a sheet of paper and set it up on the easel. “You told me that your past suitors told you – in written communication – all of your flaws. I think you’ve been given a few too many of those.”
He started to write some things on the sheet. After a slight hesitation, he drew the usual stick figures that Wayne would, even though he was brainstorming something completely different. He handed Steris a pencil as well, and encouraged her to draw or write her own additions, “It doesn’t have to relate to what I’m doing. I just enjoy the company.”
She also hesitated, but finally started doodling on a lower corner of the paper while Wax wrote. An hour later, he thought he had a good list written. “There, I think that’ll do.”
Steris looked up at him. She had lost herself in the drawing, a landscape unfolding on the paper, thick trees on one side, tall buildings on the other. A little carriage was driving the divide, horse-drawn on the side with the trees, mechanical in the cityscape. It was very good. He added another thing to the list.
“What is it?”
He took the paper down, then asked for one of Steris’ pages from her notebooks. As he transcribed the list, he told her what it was. “A list of all the good qualities – the things I like about you – that I’ve seen so far.”
A flush immediately took over her face. “But…surely it’s all just flattery? You can’t mean-“
“You’re very good at drawing.”
Her eyes flicked down to the paper in her hands. She was holding it, much like the easel had, so that Wax could view the whole thing. “I…suppose so.”
“Do you mind if I keep that?”
“You…of course.” She seemed not to know what to do with herself while being complimented. She took slights so well, which was honestly more sad than impressive, given that she must have received so many in order to get so good. But a compliment left her blushing and spluttering. Wax wrote something else on the list.
Finally, he handed her the list, and allowed Steris a few moments to read them over.
You are kind.
You are sensible, even when the chaos breaks out.
You have an eye for detail.
You are meticulous.
You are a good friend.
You are intuitive.
You are gentle.
You are beautiful.
You are resourceful.
You are well-prepared for anything.
You are genuine.
You are smart.
You are a good dancer.
You are funny – even if you have to plan your responses before an event, you still write those words yourself, and know when, where, and how to apply your lines to the greatest effect.
You are good at drawing.
You are humble.
Steris was teary by the end. “Waxillium…” He was a bit taken aback; she had always prefaced his name with ‘lord’. “This is…” She folded the paper and reached for her handkerchief, patting at the corners of her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Keep that list with you; I think I’ll have many more things to add to it.”
With shaking hands, she folded it into her little book before tucking it away. “Oh.” She swallowed, unable to sit still. “I…would you…”
Wax knelt next to her and took hold of her hands. “We’re to be wed soon.” He reminded her. “You deserve for that marriage to be to someone who loves you.” He reached up and stroked over her cheek. “And while I might not be ready for another love just yet, I think, when I am ready, I will be overjoyed to love you.”
She took a sharp breath in, and Wax saw the truth of her; she already loved him. He felt a little pang of regret, that he couldn’t love her now, but he’d meant what he’d said. He could see himself very happy with Steris in the future. Already, he could think of even more things to add to his list, things Steris should know that she was good for. That she was endlessly supportive, that she was determined, that she was graceful and strong, and so, so beautiful.
“You are so good.” He said to her. “So good, and you deserve the world.”
Steris’ hands tightened around Wax’s, and for the first time, Wax saw Steris cry.