Simon did not let her finish the sentence, knowing very well where it was going.
“Actually, I believe it is time for me and Lord Hunt to step away,” he announced abruptly, leaving both Rowan and Rachel confused. “We have some business to discuss.”
“Business,” Rowan repeated, chuckling to himself. “Yes, business while the couples dance around us. Very apt.”
Simon ignored him. “If you could excuse us, please.”
And then he walked away with Rowan, quickly following suit.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Rachel felt sick.
She hadhopedthat he would stay. Or that he would dance with her. That perhaps, for once, they could do something that resembled a real marriage, even if only for appearances.
But of course, Simon was Simon. And he would much rather discussbusinessthan stand too close to her.
Rachel masked her disappointment behind a smile, watching him walk away from her. Marina shot her a confused look.
“I have to say,” she said, “that was rather…”
“Abrupt?” Rachel smiled. “Nothing to worry about. If there is one thing about Simon, it’s that he does not like to drag out his goodbyes.”
“Is he always like this?” Marina frowned.
Rachel composed herself then. She knew it was a bad idea to let her sister get privy to the reality of her marriage. “No, no. It’s just that he’s been quite busy with work. I do not blame him; he works very hard for us. It’s good. A man should be a provider.”
She hoped that her words were enough to stop Marina from questioning further. But in her heart, she knew that they did not resonate with her entirely. After all, was it really too much of an ask to want her husband to dance with her? All around her, couples swirled. Such was the norm. Why could she not want the same for herself?
She would not dare say the words out loud, partly because she did not want Marina to worry for her. But partly because by saying them out loud, she would be forced to give up on what little hope she had left and accept the reality of her situation. Simon did what he wanted. There was little compromise on that.
“I would ask you to look on the bright side,” Marina said, nudging her softly with her elbow. “At least this gives the two of us a chance to spend some more time together. That is lovely, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is,” Rachel smiled softly.
“Then, please. Give me a genuine smile this time.”
Rachel felt exposed. It was as though Marina could see right through her. She opened her mouth to retort, but a subtle tap on her shoulder interrupted her, making her turn around.
“Lady Everly.”
Rachel turned, surprised to find Lord Philip Ashford before her. He was an old acquaintance from previous Seasons.
“My lord,” she greeted politely. “What a surprise to see you here.”
She had met the man a few times, and he had even asked her to dance once, though she had not been able to.
“Yes, the same for me,” he replied, smiling earnestly. “I saw you from across the room, and I had to confirm with one of the other guests if you were really here. Then, when I received the confirmation, I just knew that I had to come over and speak with you.”
Rachel only nodded in response, unsure of what to say.
“And might I add,” he went on, “I was rather heartbroken when I heard the news of your marriage.”
An awkward laugh escaped Rachel’s lips.At least someone is paying me attention,she thought to herself, and glanced in the direction that Simon had gone.
“I am sure you recovered quickly,” she replied after a moment.
“Alas,” he sighed dramatically, “a man must endure. Though if I remember from our last encounter, you had promised me a dance.”
