For what? For daring to taint his master with his presence?Devil’s breeches, the boy looked positively terrified.
Am I such an ogre that small boys and maidservants flee from me in terror?
Yes, he was, for his wife had fled from him.
He forced a smile, and the stable boy returned it.
“Come to see your horse, your lordship? He’s as fine a beast as I ever saw. He’s in the building yonder.”
My horse?
The boy pointed toward the stable block at the far end of the courtyard. Charles nodded in acknowledgment and approached the building. Then he paused as he heard voices.
“You must tell him, Olivia. He won’t be as angry as you think.”
“I-I can’t, Jacob. At least not yet. Nicola said…”
“Nicola can go to the devil. She had no right to suggest such a thing. I trust you didn’t—”
“No, I didn’t! What do you take me for?”
“So you want—”
“Of course I do! But does my husband?”
“He’s a damned fool if he doesn’t.”
“What about you, Jacob, your hopes and expectations?”
Charles rounded a corner to see his wife—and Jacob, who had her by the shoulders.
“Good God, woman,” Jacob said, “you think I care for that? Are you such a simpleton that you believe—”
He broke off as Charles marched forward, grasped him by the lapels, and pulled him back.
“Brother, I-I… I mean—it’s not what it looks like,” Jacob stammered, but Charles rammed his fist into his brother’s gut. Jacob bent over, coughing, and Charles advanced on him again. Jacob raised his hands. “Stop, please!”
Charles slammed his fist into his palm and gestured in quick, angry movements.
How dare you put your hands on my wife!
“I-I wasn’t… We weren’t…” Jacob shook his head. “Surely you don’t think your wife would…”
Of course not. I trust her completely. But you…
“I-I don’t understand…” Jacob coughed, and Charles grasped him by the lapels.
“Charles!” Olivia cried.
Charles turned to her, his heart aching at the distress in her eyes. He took her hands and drew her close, stroking her hair. Then he released her and gestured slowly.
Did he hurt you?
She frowned, watching his hands. “We were only talking. Surely you don’t think I would…”
No. I know you are incapable of wrongdoing. My only concern is whether you’ve come to harm at my brother’s hands.
Her eyes shone with tears. “I-I’m sorry. I’m learning—Mrs. Brougham has been teaching me—but you’re moving your hands too quickly.”
