“You’re here.” He studied her eyes, fascinated by the tiny silver and blue specks dancing around her pupils. “I thought you left me. I thought you’d returned to Well’s Place.”
“But why?”
“Because…” Because he’d been an arse, that was why.
“Come with me, My Lady.” Mrs. Finch had tiptoed in and was urging his mother out of the room. “Let’s leave these newlyweds alone for a moment.” And then she turned to Bethany. “Shall I send for a doctor, My Lady?”
“No,” Chase answered before there could be a fuss.
He was relieved to find Bethany here but confused as to what was going on just the same. He simply needed to talk with her. “That won’t be necessary.”
He made no move to get up. He simply stared at his wife, waiting for the door to close.
On the drive over, he’d formulated an elegant and rather touching apology. Something to the effect of him being an arrogant beast—or was that a dissolute cad? Also, that he was unaccustomed to the intricacies of marriage except for…
A cacophony of words swirled around in his head, clustering into meaningless sentences.
He’d been a monster this morning. He needed to say something to ensure she didn’t leave—address his boorish behavior in some way that she would forgive him.
He wanted her to stay.I need her to stay.
“I’m sorry.”
It wasn’t spectacular but summed up his feelings just the same.
Her eyes widened and then narrowed. “Exactly how hard did you hit your head?”
This woman.
He couldn’t help but smile at such a well-deserved jab. “I fully intended to apologize to you before I slammed it on the floor, if that makes any difference.” His gaze shifted to his knees, which remained hooked over an unfamiliar traveling chest. “What did I fall over, anyway?”
“It’s my trunk. Your mother seems to have piled some of her gowns on it…” Bethany slid him a sardonic look. “We’re a fine pair—you and me. Do you think these knocks on the head are making us smarter or more foolish? Swing your legs around this way.” She was on her knees now.
“I’d rather we don’t find out.” He lifted his legs off the trunk and groaned as he turned onto his side so he could sit up.
At the same time, she slid her hand into his hair, searching around his scalp. “I don’t think it’s bleeding.”
He froze, leaning into her, savoring her touch. He didn’t care if it bled or not, only that she was still here.
Even though he didn’t quite understand what the hell was going on. Surely, she didn’t intend to put an end to their physical relationship! He may be obtuse when it came to female emotions, but he’d wager his fortune that she’d enjoyed their intimacies as much as he had.
He sat upright and gripped her wrist, meeting her gaze. “Why is my mother moving back into this room?”
“Because she was uncomfortable in the Gold Room.” Her gaze traveled around the furnishings and she scrunched her nose. “As I’m not particularly partial to the present decor, I am surrendering it back to her.”
“But?” Did this mean she didn’t want him having access to her bedchamber any longer? “You are my wife.”
His comment had her narrowing her eyes at him. She had not forgotten the things he’d said earlier that morning. He’d hurt her again, and he’d done so after one of the most incredible nights of his life. All she’d done was dare to try to love him.
What the bloody hell was wrong with him?Arrogant beast. Dissolute cad. He was certain she could come up with a few others to add to the list. He searched his brain for more of his scripted apology.
“Let me show you something.” She pushed herself to her feet, offered her hand, and led him into the antechamber. “Your door will be sealed off here”—she motioned toward the entrance to his chamber—"and this room will be made into a private sitting area for your mother.”
She then guided him into the foyer along to a door adjacent to the entrance to the master chamber—a large linen closet.
“This will be our new antechamber. A door can be installed there.” Somewhat bemused, Chase followed her into the Gold Room…
She isn’t leaving me.
