He had come with his wife for a reason. At some point, he would have to join the townsfolk again. He couldn't remain a hermit for the rest of his life. Even if he wanted to, it was not an option—especially not now that he was married and had a wife who was from the town.
She deserved to have a husband who was able to meet her friends without having a panic attack. Even if he wasn't sure he could be that husband for her.
He started breathing a little harder as they rode past the mayor's home and toward the center of town. He still recognized it, which surprised him. Things hadn’t changed much.
It was almost easier that way, because he could pretend he was just going into town to spend time with the Rendon boys.
While they’d all had private tutors at their own estates, there had been children’s activities in town that they’d attended. Those had been some of his favorite times as a child.
Alexander took a deep breath. He could do this. He didn't have a choice. He was already in the carriage, and it was quickly rolling through town.
He looked over at his wife, who was watching the buildings roll by outside the window. He took another deep breath before returning his attention outside, and then something occurred to him. “Does the driver know where your home is?” he asked.
“Yes, he does,” Beatrice said. “I told Jenkins before we left, and he informed the driver.”
Alexander nodded. “I see. I am glad you had the forethought to tell him.”
“Of course,” she said. “Being prepared is my job. One could argue that as the lady of the manor, I should be even more aware of the need to be prepared than I was as the librarian in the Northlands.”
The words coming out of her mouth were right, but the tone of her voice was off.
What was wrong? Was she concerned about her position at Eldenwilde?
She hadn’t had much chance yet to become the lady of the estate. She was learning quickly, though, despite only being in her new role for a few days. He already couldn't imagine his estate without her.
So why did she sound so stiff?
The carriage pulled to a stop, and Alexander took a deep breath.
Apparently it was time to meet his father-in-law. Figuring out why she was acting strange would have to wait.
He turned to Beatrice. “Are you ready?” he asked.
She seemed frozen for the first time since he’d met her, at least from something other than snow. Her hand clutched at the side of the carriage. “We don’t have to go in.”
“We need to get your things,” Alexander said.
“And you should meet him.” The words were stilted, as if she were resigned to the fact.
This wasn’t the Beatrice he knew.
“What’s wrong?” Alexander asked, reaching for her hand.
Beatrice took a deep breath. “He’s probably not going to be very happy that I’m married,” she said slowly. “He enjoyed the fact that I was here when he came home, that he had a kept house, that I would be at his beck and call. He won’t be thrilled that has changed.”
Alexander frowned. His wife, who was usually so confident and bubbly, was sounding unsure of herself and maybe even a little intimidated.
He was ready to do battle on her behalf.
“Has he ever hurt you?” he asked, hating that he had to ask it.
But Beatrice shook her head. “No, he wouldn’t, but he will be very upset,” she said with a sigh.
Alexander clenched his jaw as the footman opened the carriage door, and he stepped out, turning to offer a hand to Beatrice.
If Gerald Montgomery thought he was going to intimidate his daughter, he thought wrong, because Beatrice was no longer alone.
Chapter eighteen
