“And what of your romance?” Dorothy probed.
“Dorothy!” Beatrice hissed. “You cannot just ask that.”
Adelaide laughed softly, but she could not help envying her friends. They all had love and were blessed with beautiful families and the most incredible lives. That was not what she shared with Cassian, and she knew that she never would. They were friends, and that was all she could ask from him.
Except she had been craving more for a while, and the knowledge that he did not want that caused her pain.
“We are happy,” she began. “I have a stable home and a good man for a husband. What more could a lady possibly ask for?”
But she knew, and she also knew that it would never be hers.
CHAPTER 31
“They will be busy,” the Duke of Pridefield, who had insisted Cassian call him Leonard, said with a low laugh. “You need not look so concerned.”
Cassian inclined his head to him. “I am not concerned.”
Leonard smiled as though he had expected that. “Of course not.”
The five men set off together, their pace unhurried as they took the road leading toward the village. Cassian walked half a step behind the others without meaning to. He corrected it at once, not wanting to appear intimidated by the older men.
“You are a friend now, Cassian. You may speak without fear of censure.”
“I am aware,” Cassian replied. “I am just not used to doing so. You must have heard the rumors about me.”
Levi nodded, though there was a knowing look in his eyes. “We know better than to believe rumors.”
They reached the edge of the village, the low buildings appearing between the trees. Cassian was familiar with the sight, but the other gentlemen took it in with great interest.
After a while, Leonard broke the silence.
“So, how is your marriage?”
Cassian slowed down, then resumed his pace. “It is… certainly an adjustment.”
“That is the most diplomatic answer I have ever heard,” Owen snorted. “Which usually means it is not going as smoothly as you have hoped.”
Cassian glanced at him. “It is not going poorly.”
“No,” Morgan said. “But you are guarded.”
Cassian stopped then.
The others followed suit, though none appeared surprised.
For the first time, Cassian felt as though he was not the only man to have difficulty in his marriage.
“I have been so all my life,” he said quietly. “It has served me well.”
“Perhaps, but it will not serve your wife.”
Cassian looked away. He knew that Adelaide was affected by it, and he wanted to change, but it was not as simple as merely wanting to.
“I am present enough.”
Owen tilted his head. “In body, certainly, but there is more to marriage than that.”
“You speak as though I am neglectful.”
