“Ashbourne is not insignificant.”
“No,” she agreed. “But it is not London. It is not even Blackmere.”
James folded his arms, irritation stirring despite himself. “You think remaining here is preferable?”
“I think remainingvisibleis preferable,” she said. “For both of us.”
“Foryou.”
“For you as well,” she corrected. “Your aunt was not subtle. Nor were my sisters and father.”
A flash of memory of that morning crossed his vision. Charlotte’s voice, edged with sweetness and poison, and it tightened his jaw. “You endured that with composure.”
“That is not the same as immunity.”
He exhaled slowly. “Ashbourne would protect you from them.”
“From my family,” Eleanor said. “Yes. From theton, no.”
She leaned forward slightly, not pressing, but inviting attention. “They already believe this marriage is… unusual. Swift. Strategic. If I disappear north while you show up in London, it confirms the worst version of their suspicions.”
“And what version is that?” he asked.
“That I was convenient,” she said simply. “And disposable.”
The word landed with more force than he expected. He found himself bristling, though the accusation was not aimed at him alone.
“That is not my intent.”
“I know,” she said. And then, after a beat, “Intent is rarely what people observe.”
Silence settled between them. The fire shifted, a log collapsing inward.
“You believe remaining here would be interpreted differently?” he asked, confirming her position.
“Yes.” She nodded once. “It suggests unity. Or cooperation in the least.”
“You are very composed for someone advocating against her own comfort.”
Her mouth curved faintly. “I am accustomed to discomfort that serves a purpose.”
That, more than anything she had said, struck him. He moved at last, lowering himself into the chair opposite her.
“And you would prefer to stay here, at Blackmere?” he clarified further.
“I wouldprefera choice,” she replied. “But failing that, Blackmere allows me to learn the rhythms of our life as it is. Ashbourne would teach me how to be alone in it.”
James studied her more closely. The line of her mouth was steady, but there was tension there. Not fear. Resolve.
“There are matters in London,” he said at last. “Unfinished matters.”
“I understand you had an agenda before agreeing to our rumored engagement, James. I am not simple.”
“Nevertheless, these matters require discretion.”
“I understand discretion.”
“And danger.”
