“There will be no intimacy and no consummation of our marriage. And unless you want my valet to see you naked in my chamber, I suggest you return to your own.”
“You are not serious,” she insisted.
“I have never been more serious in my life.”
“I am not leaving.”
“Then I am.” Julian strode past her and yanked open the door.
“Where are you going?” she cried.
“Away from here. I will have my father's man of business send word when the child is born.”
Julian slammed the door behind him. If he never saw his wife or his father again it would be too soon. She had ruined his life and was responsible for Grayson’s death.
Julian paused when he encountered his valet. “Have all my belongings packed and sent to Harrington Manor. I will collect them there. I’ll send word once I have found a place to live.” He then marched from the house and to the stables where he had a horse saddled.
Julian rode through the night, stopping only to change horses. Anger pushed him forward and though exhausted, he knew he could not rest. Never had he been so furious in his life.
He made the return journey in half the time it had taken to travel home in a carriage. Anger drove him and left him too agitated to sleep for long and left his chamber at the inn often before the sun rose, and he barely stopped for meals. The sun had not quite set when he finally rode up the drive of Harrington Manor. He hopped from his horse, strode forward, and pounded on the door.
A startled butler opened it and without being asked inside Julian entered and bellowed for Norbright.
His friend and fellow Devil came from the library. “You married less than a sennight ago. Why are you here?”
“I need a brandy.” Julian stormed past him and down into the library where he knew the spirits were kept.
Norbright followed. “This is not the demeanor of a man happily wed.”
“Because I am not.” Julian poured brandy into the glass, drained it, not the least bit calm and then threw it against the stone fireplace, the glass shattering against the bricks, shards flying.
“It appears you did not find wedded bliss with this Imogene Hooper.”
“Do not ever mention her name to me again.”
Norbright took a step back and said nothing else.
“What is going on?” Claudia asked as she entered the library. She suddenly stopped when she realized Julian was there. And then she glanced about the room. “Are you alone?”
“As I will be for the rest of my life thanks to my father.” Julian returned to the sideboard and took another glass and filled it with brandy.
“What exactly happened?” Norbright asked.
“Does anyone else remain at Harrington?” Julian asked instead of answering the question.
“Pickmore is upstairs,” Norbright answered. “I am certain it is not because of my hospitality but because of a certain history teacher who lives next door,” Norbright snickered.
Julian did not want to hear about his friend finding love, not when it would be denied to him. He then blew out his breath. He would not begrudge Pickmore happiness.
“What of Keegan?”
“He has been sent to London. I do not know the details.”
“And Kilsyth and his wife?” Julian really hoped that Cait's brother-in-law was no longer visiting.
“They have gone on to his estate.”
“Send for Pickmore.” He almost asked for them to send for Cait but stopped himself.
