I had been courting Mary, and she had imbibed too much sherry. Eleanor had informed me of her distress, and things became heated between us.
“I led you to believe we might have a future together, and for that, I am sorry,” she said.
“You were and still are in love with Rex.”Never with me. My earlier elation deflated. No matter how many kisses we had shared, her heart belonged to Rex. It had been a painful revelation at the time, and it still stung. Like me, she was simply reliving past decisions.
“At the time, I couldn’t have said that with any certainty. I was very confused about my feelings.” With a light laugh, she picked up her glass and drank. “It is silly. I thought I would have all the answers when I was married and had children.”
“When you have all the answers, please let me know. I have a million questions.” I leaned back in my seat, unsure if it was wise for me to stay.
“I am hoping you have one answer for me.” She shook her head, her curls displaced by the action at my absurd remark. Thelightened expression of moments before faded. “Has Rex ever taken a mistress that you know of?”
“No.” I was pleased I could answer truthfully on that score. “Why would you ask?”
“No reason.” She avoided my stare, the flush on her cheeks giving her away.
“There must be a reason for you to ask.” I wasn’t certain if I should push her or not. The conversation had taken an odd turn.
She put her face in her hands and shook her head. “Forgive me for being bold, but you are a man, and I wanted to know what he knows about, well, you know.” Her voice was muffled. “Things a mistress would know.”
I stifled a bark of laughter as the words sank into my head. How to answer without disclosing Rex’s confidence. I knew the restrictions she had put on their marriage bed, except if I let on that I knew, she would be very upset with Rex. “I am afraid you will need to be more specific.”
“Don’t men talk about these things?” she asked, frowning at me. “I assume you would. I know women talk about these things.”
“Yes, we talk. I am most curious to know what women say about these, well, things.”
“Are you mocking me?” she asked.
“No, I am simply being nosy. I know with certainty the only woman Rex has been with is you.” Another man, yes. Me.
She angled her head and weighed her words. “You knew my father well.”
The marquess had been a rude and arrogant ass who ruled his family with an iron thumb. “Yes.”
“I was taught to be a proper lady in all aspects of my marriage.” Bitterness laced her words, her voice tight. “I was naïve and impulsive in many ways, so I made it a point to try tofollow his dictate. I wanted a fresh start with Rex and I set the rules of engagement.”
Had I not been privy to the rules—thanks to Rex—I wouldn’t have been able to decipher her cryptic explanation. I chose my answer with care. “What Mary’s death has taught me, is that life is short, and I need to act on my desires. I don’t know how much longer I have, none of us do.”
“Well put.” Indecision flitted across her brow, and she hopped to her feet, moving to the window. Dusk had settled over the city. I could see her reflection in the window pane, clearly troubled. “Olivia recommended I have an affair.”
“Would you be receptive to one?” My fortieth year was fast approaching and I pushed back the rush of panic that always preceded the thought. No matter my growing age, I could still find a new bride. Since I wasn’t interested in marrying a woman my daughters’ age, Olivia was the logical choice.
“I’m flattered, but I am married to Rex. While I have considered the very, um, thing you are asking me, I can’t.”
“Beg pardon?” I shook my head, unsure if I missed something. “You have been considering an affair with me?”
Today had been full of surprises from the Smythingtons, and I had a feeling things were about to get even more interesting.
