Her name, though spoken softly, wrought a cry of alarm from her. She spun round to see a tall, shadowy shape rising up from one of the settees.
“Maxwell!” Her hand flew to the base of her throat as if to still the sudden, violent thud of her heart. “Oh, dear God, you startled me. I didn’t know you were home.”
“Why aren’t you asleep?” He moved toward her. “Are you all right?”
No, not really. Not at all. I’m not ready to face you. Not yet.
“A little shaken, perhaps.” Heat burned her cheeks. “I… I didn’t expect anyone to be here. When did you get home?”
“A few hours ago.” He placed a hand beneath her elbow. “I didn’t mean to frighten you. You’re trembling. Perhaps you should sit.”
A few hours ago? So, late, then.
He wrongly assumed she was trembling from the fright he’d just given her. He couldn’t know that she had just summoned upthe image of him strolling down Knaresborough’s Main Street with his female companion.
“No, I’m quite well, thank you.” She folded her arms, effectively shrugging his hand away. “What are you doing in here?”
A slight frown appeared. “I might ask you the same.”
“I asked first.”
It was, she knew, a petulant response, one that resulted in a brief expression of surprise on Maxwell’s face. “I have things on my mind,” he said, “and sought a quiet place in which to consider them.”
What things?
“I see.” She held his gaze. “What of your meeting? Was it successful?”
“Very successful, aye,” he replied, his tone wary. “Is something troubling you, Louisa?”
“I didn’t expect…I mean…” Her heart rattled in her ears. “You said you’d be gone for at least a week.”
“That’s what I thought,” he said, after a moment, “but things went better than expected, so we adjourned early.”
“Yes, actually, I am fully aware of that.”
‘Oh?” A dark brow arched. “How come?”
She drew breath. “Because I was in Knaresborough yesterday, at Francesca’s. And… and I saw you walking along Main Street. With a woman.”
“Ah, I see.” He cocked his head. “Is that the reason for this odd mood of yours?”
She ignored the question. “Do you deny you were there? With her?”
“Not at all. I have nothing to hide.” He shrugged. “I spent several hours in the lady’s company, in fact.”
“How nice for you.”How can he be so nonchalant?
“Louisa, the woman is someone I’ve known for a number of years.” He lifted a loose wisp of hair from her brow. “It’s nothing you need to be concerned about.”
She drew back from his touch. “But I am concerned, Maxwell. I object strongly to it. I hoped our marriage would not necessitate such behavior.”
“What behavior is that?” His hand slowly clenched as it returned to his side. “What are you implying?”
“Well, I should think it’s obvious.” She took a breath, trying to calm her fraying nerves. “I realize this sort of situation is not unheard of in a marriage, but I want you to know that I’m not in the least happy about it. Not happy at all.”
He looked perplexed. “To whatsort of situationare you referring?”
Louisa barely stifled a gasp. Was he being purposely obtuse? “Keeping a mistress!”
