Patience exchanged a glance with Chastity. “But he came after you.”
Hazel closed her eyes briefly. “That does not change what happened.”
“But it might change what itmeant,” Chastity insisted. “At least speak with him. Please, if only to be certain of what you claim now.”
Hazel opened her eyes and met her sister’s gaze. There was no anger there, only exhaustion.
“What for?” she asked quietly. “So he may tell me that I expected too much of a marriage that was never meant to be more than it was?”
She shook her head. “Words will not unmake that moment. They will only ask me to doubt myself, and I have done enough of that for a lifetime.”
The room fell silent.
At last, Patience spoke. “And if you are wrong?”
Hazel’s smile was small and sad. “Then I will bear it.”
She turned back toward the window, though she did not pull the curtain aside again. Suddenly, a familiar voice addressed her.
“Was that the Duke who knocked just now?”
Hazel stiffened before she turned. Her mother stood in the doorway, looking curiously from one daughter to the next. She had the look of a woman who had already half-constructed her conclusions and was merely waiting for confirmation.
“Yes,” Hazel said evenly.
Their mother’s brows rose. “Indeed?” She glanced toward the window, then back again. “And he did not stay for tea? Or even come in to greet us?”
Chastity and Patience both looked at Hazel at once.
Hazel drew a slow breath. “He was… somewhat upset.”
“Upset?” her mother echoed, clearly startled. “Over what, pray?”
Hazel folded her hands together, mirroring the calm she did not feel. “Over my decision to remain here for a few days. I explained that my sisters required my attention.”
Their mother’s expression was one of surprise first, then faint disapproval. “How odd. I had taken him for a very reasonable man. One who understood the importance of family.” She shook her head slightly. “Especially considering how devoted he is said to be to his own mother.”
Hazel swallowed heavily. “It is something I will sort out.”
Her mother studied her for a moment, as though weighing whether to press further. “Well,” she said at last, with a faint sigh, “I trust you will. A misunderstanding, no doubt. Marriage requires patience on both sides.”
“Yes,” Hazel replied softly. “It does.”
Their mother seemed satisfied with this and moved further into the room. But as Hazel caught her sisters’ questioning looks, she felt the familiar burden settle again.
I will sort it out.
She had said the words as she always did.
“Hazel,” her mother said, after a moment’s pause, “may I have a word with you?Alone.”
Hazel inclined her head at once. “Of course.”
Chastity hesitated, clearly reluctant. Patience rose more quietly, already gathering her gloves.
“We shall be just outside,” Chastity said, casting Hazel a searching look.
“I know,” Hazel replied, and meantthank you.
