The newspapers certainly did. They’d been giddily sharing his whereabouts and antics for the last few days. She stood, stretching. It was later than she realized. Lisbeth stepped out into the hallway and frowned. Light was coming from the drawing room. She walked to the doorway, and her brows shot up in surprise to find Thomas sitting there, frowning at the fire.
Her dress must have made a rustling sound because Thomas’s gaze flicked to her. Their eyes connected, and they studied each other silently. As if remembering himself, he stood. “I thought you were already asleep, or I would have come to find you.”
Thomas had a dark purple bruise on his jaw. She grimaced. It was likely a result of his scuffle with Justin. She pursed her lips and then said, “I’m leaving tomorrow and taking Alice and Jeremy with me.”
He frowned. Her eyes sparked with anger. “You can’t think I would stay while you make a fool of yourself, me, and the children.”
Thomas ran his hands through his hair. He looked rumpled and scruffy. Her heart clenched, wondering if she stepped closer, if he would smell like perfume. Some of the gossip sheets had hinted at him carousing. It didn’t matter; their union made a mockery of the institution of marriage.
“Can we sit and talk?” he asked.
What was he up to? Reluctantly, she nodded. Lisbeth sat on the sofa, and Thomas took a seat in a wingback chair. “I’ve behaved abominably.”
Lisbeth snorted. “You wed me and then left to spend your days embroiled in vice. You have made me look like a fool.”
“Most of the men I spent time with think I’m simply enjoying my celebrity status.”
Did he really think that? She leaned forward. “Have you not read any of the papers? People are betting about why you married and then abandoned me.”
A stricken look filled his face. “Lisbeth, I’m sorry. I’ve been so angry.”
“We need to get an annulment or live a separate life.”
Lisbeth meant the words, but she’d be lying if they didn’t cause her pain. Yes, she’d hurt him, but he’d made her pay for it. No more. Thomas quietly said, “I don’t want that, Lizzie.”
“Don’t call me that,” she hissed. “Be reasonable. The last few days have been a debacle.”
“They have. I was angry, but I want you, Alice, and your son in my life.”
Lisbeth shook her head. “You don’t even know them.”
He joined her on the sofa, and she stiffened, not wanting to be close to the man who’d hurt her so much. “Lisbeth, can we start anew?”
Her eyes widened. “You can’t be serious. I’m leaving for the country tomorrow.”
“Doesn’t your club have an event for the tablets we found?”
“In a month,” Lisbeth provided.
Thomas stood and paced. “Don’t leave.”
Lisbeth looked up at him, confused. “I can’t stay here.”
“I will stop with all the revelry and craziness.”
Lisbeth threw her hands up in the air. “Why? What does it matter?”
He was quiet for a moment. He ran his hands through his dark brown-red hair. Thomas turned back to her, his eyes serious. “I love you, Lizzie. I think we would be making a mistake if we don’t try.”
She stood and faced him, her anger evident. “You told me you hate me, Thomas. That you want other women to frequent your bed. I understand why, but I can’t stay or keep my children around this chaos. We will find a way for you to be in Alice’s life.”
“There is no one else I want but you. I don’t want you and the children to leave. I want a life with you. It is all I’ve ever wanted.”
Deep sadness coursed through her because she understood his feelings. They’d been denied so much. Even though she was angry, Lisbeth couldn’t stop herself from pressing her hand to his cheek. “There’s been too much hurt. Sometimes, no matter how much you love someone, it isn’t enough.”
“Allow me one month to convince you otherwise,” he said quietly.
“It isn’t a good idea. The anger you have for me is still there, and again, I don’t blame you.”
