Richard’s breath was stuck in his throat. He could not breathe as Aphrodite herself walked into his office talking to his butler, unaware that Richard was staring at her. She was beautiful, and his traitorous body stirred as he strolled over to her to give her a proper greeting.
How is this goddess—no, not a goddess. He had made that mistake once before with Victoria or Sarah. He tried to no longer care what her name truly was. Richard would not make a fool’s mistake again.
He tried not to notice her resemblance to Victoria. Although the lighting at Pleasure House was dark and romantic, he could recall every intricate detail of her. Long blonde hair and blue eyes exactly like Lady Winifred. He shook that thought away; it was impossible. No lady would ever find herself at Pleasure House.
“My lady, it is an honor to finally meet you—”
Turning away from Barrington, Lady Winifred gasped in shock as her bright-blue eyes locked on Richard. Her beautiful pale skin went ashen white at the sight of him standing in front of her.
Richard watched horrified as her body quivered, and her legs gave out from under her. Taking two gigantic steps forward Richard swept the woman in his arms before his butler could even reach her. Steadying her against his chest, warmth like he only felt once in his entire life spread throughout him, his heart thumped wildly like it had met its other half.
“Are you well?” His own voice was unsteady as he walked her over to the sofa.
“Shall I call for a doctor, Your Grace?” Barrington asked, worry lacing his usually calm voice.
“No! I’m fine, really. I’ve just been feeling unwell.” Lady Winifred said, freeing herself from Richard’s grasp, moving as far away from him as humanly possible.
He stared at her, feeling a light touch of déjà vu. It was strange how alike the two women were. Though Victoria’s voice was seductive, Lady Winifred's voice was airy.
“Barrington, please send in a tea service.” Richard stood, walking over to the sideboard.
He needed some space from her, and she needed water.
“Right away. And perhaps some biscuits, my lady?”
Richard rolled his eyes at his butler’s theatrics.
Pouring her a glass of water from the pitcher he kept in the office, Richard made his way back over to the sofa.
Taking the water in hand, she turned, giving the butler a tentative smile. “Oh, thank you, Barrington. I don’t want to trouble you.”
“No trouble at all.” Barrington bowed before leaving the study, leaving Richard alone with his late cousin’s widow.
Richard stared after his very amiable servant wondering who the bloody hell had replaced his butler. He was kind to Lady Winifred, something he was sure the woman received often with her beauty. She didn’t look as beautiful at that moment. She looked ill with dark circles around her eyes and her face lacking any color.
“Would you like to go up to your room and rest?” Richard sat down in the armchair across from her, leaned forward his elbows on his knees. He couldn’t help but stare, especially with his body responding to her so ardently.
“Thank you, Your Grace, but no,” she said, taking a sip of her water before licking her lips.
“I would feel better if you allowed me to call the doctor,” he tried again, not caring one farthing about proving if she was with child or not. He cared for her health because she looked as if she would swoon any moment.
“I do not wish to appease your need to know what is going on with my body.” She sighed, looking around the room, taking in the art from his many travels.
He swallowed at her comment, ignoring the direction his thoughts wanted to take. “I understand you are upset, but the marriage agreement states—”
Holding up a hand, she cut him off. “I understand precisely what the marriage agreement states. However, I wish to return home to Brown Manor.”
Taking a deep breath, Richard sat back, rubbing his hand down his face in frustration. “As I’m sure Harris explained, I require you to reside here at Musgrave House—”
“Mr. Harris explained it perfectly. You doubt my condition, but it is not my responsibility to prove anything to you.”
He noticed a slight tremble in her voice, noticing that she also would not look him directly in the eye.
She was a strong woman; Richard cursed his cousin in the grave for marrying such a person. Graham did not deserve her. He could tell just by being in her presence for a short period. “If Mr. Harris explained it to you, then you must know I need proof of your condition in order to allow you to remain at Brown Manor.”
The loud slap of the glass hitting the small tea table rattled Richard as she stood abruptly. Her hands resting on her small waist, fire in her eyes like she was preparing to fight.
“Allowme to remain at a place that is mine by right? My father gifted it to me, and my husband abandoned me there to rot. Now you want to remove me from the only home that I have?” Lady Winifred shook on unsteady legs before she walked away from Richard like she lived in his home instead of him. “I’ll stay here for now, but soon you will find that I am telling the truth, Your Grace.”
