“But I daresay the odds are better.”
“Perhaps.” Celia agreed, then added, “But I have always heard that rogues are more fun.”
“Scoundrels!” Cordelia brushed a stray curl from her eye. “They are not to be trusted.”
“Regardless, you are married to Nathaniel. You might as well at least give the match a chance. Even if you were to run, you would still be his wife. And you would lack the finances to care for yourself and the child.”
“I will not run.”
“Good.” Celia gave a firm shake of her head. “And since you do not wish to live at war, it seems your only option is to try to make your marriage work. Share your fears with Nathaniel. Have an open and honest conversation.” She gave a mischievous grin. “I believe he might surprise you.”
Cordelia glanced out the window. “I suppose we will find out.” She looked back at Celia. “That is if he ever returns home.”
* * *
Nathaniel did not know what to do or where to go. All he knew for sure was that he could not remain in the same house as Cordelia. He started off for White’s, intending to drink himself into a complete stupor. When he arrived at the entrance along St. James’s Street, he could not bring himself to cross the threshold.
Instead, he gone to Selkirk’s house where he now lounged in a highjack chair awaiting a drink. He and the duke had been friends for years. Furthermore, Selkirk had the type of marriage Nathaniel craved. Perhaps his friend could give him some much-needed advice.
Nathaniel had married Cordelia with the best of intentions and truly wanted their union to be strong. He wanted to give his son or daughter everything he had been deprived of—love, understanding, guidance.
Why did Cordelia insist on standing in his way?
The woman was beyond maddening. She spoke as though she had the same desires for their child, then fought him at every turn. She couldn’t possibly believe their child would be better off without him. Better off living a lie in which his mother was a widow. Could she?
Nathaniel shook his head, and glanced at Selkirk.
“That bad, is it?” Selkirk asked.
“Worse.” Nathaniel took the tumbler Selkirk offered him and tapped his finger on the side of the crystal glass. “I do not understand women.”
Selkirk chuckled, his blue eyes filling with amusement. “No man does.”
“I am inclined to believe you. However, Cordelia is extraordinarily confounding. No matter what approach I take, she grows angry. The woman acts as though I ruined her life while she played no role in the destruction.”
“Did you seduce her?” Selkirk asked, genuine interest in his gaze.
Nathaniel took a long drink of his brandy, relishing the way it warmed his insides. He shook his head in denial. “She’s as responsible as I am. Not that who seduced whom makes any difference. She’s pregnant, and we are married. Nothing is going to change that.”
“Indeed.” Selkirk relaxed into the chair across from Nathaniel and crossed his legs at the ankles. “I guess the question is, what do you want now?”
“Forgiveness, for what I am uncertain, but she’s clearly livid with me. She keeps returning to my history of being a rogue and said she will not allow me to hurt our child… or her for that matter.” Nathaniel shook his head. “Can you imagine? The woman thinks I would bring shame and embarrassment on my son or daughter.”
Selkirk pressed his lips together in a tight line, a look of concern etched into the fine lines of his face.
“Cordelia refuses to even give me a chance to be a good husband. She actually suggested we be friends and forgo a romantic relationship. Then she demanded I not have affairs. I should say the devil with her. Wait for my child to be born, then send Cordelia to the country. Perhaps my child needs protection for its irrational mother.”
“I can understand your anger, Wolverton, but do not be hasty. Women need a gentle hand. Understanding, patience, and all that.” Selkirk twirled the brandy in his glass. “I think the problem is that you are not looking at the situation through her eyes.”
“You cannot be serious.” Nathaniel chuckled without amusement.
Selkirk raised a golden brow. “But I am quite serious, I assure you.”
“Bloody hell. Has everyone lost their wits?” Nathaniel massaged his temple.
“Hear me out.” Selkirk sat his brandy aside and stood to pace the library. After reaching the window facing the street, he turned back to Nathaniel. “There must be a reason she is fretting so much over your past. Her father has quite a reputation. Have you considered that maybe his behavior has caused her undue hardship? Maybe she worries you will cause more of the same, not only for her but also for the child.”
Nathaniel rubbed his palm across his jawline as he considered Selkirk’s words. If his friend were right, Nathaniel would have to prove himself to Cordelia before he’d have any hope of making their union work. But how?
