“I am truly sorry you had to endure so much.”
“As am I, but I knew the moment I wrote that first letter what my father’s response would be. I just hadn’t expected John to free me.”
Had he heard her correctly?
Blythe’s blue eyes went wide. “Sell!” she said quickly. “I meant sell.”
Orlando stared at her for a moment. “Did you really?”
Chapter Six
It was in that moment that Blythe realized that she was not at all upset about the loss of her husband.
He had been selfish, cold, demanding, and grew more difficult the longer they were on the Continent. John had assumed that Father would have a change of heart when he realized that his daughter might be in danger, but the request to return home never came. It was then that John had started to blame her for every perceived transgression. At first, she apologized and tried to make the situation better. She sided with him when he blamed others, instead of her for a change. She had wanted to have a harmonious marriage and if that meant keeping John happy then she would do so.
Until nothing was ever good enough.
She was never good enough and after a year, realized that she never would be but she was stuck with him for better or worse.
Except, today she had been freed of the misery.
The worst part was the humiliation and her fear, not the loss of John.
Her eyes met Orlando’s. The man who had not only rescued her but freed her.
He already knew the worst. He had witnessed, then participated, but she couldn’t be angry with him for that, especially since he had been nothing but kind to a complete stranger.
Blythe trusted him.
She may learn in the future that was a mistake, but she also had little choice now and it would be nice to have a…friend.
“I should be honest,” she said quietly. “It is wrong of me, I know that it is, but I am glad to be free of John.” She abruptly stood and walked to the opposite side of the chamber, unable to look at him. “You must think that I am a horrible person.”
“No,” he answered. “You owe him nothing. He may be your husband but he abandoned you and relinquished any rights he has to your affection or good opinion.”
That was exactly what he did. John had deserted her so why should she suffer any guilt for lack of charitable thoughts for him?
Orlando pulled a watch from inside his suitcoat. “It is nearly midnight.”
Blythe had no idea it was already so late.
“I assume that everyone has retired.”
She suffered the briefest moment of panic at being left alone but quickly recovered. It would be good to have the time and quiet to consider her options and her future.
He stepped to the door. If I hear anyone about or if anyone is in the lower rooms, I will make an excuse and return. He pulled a cheroot from the inside of his coat.
Blythe nodded. “Wait at the window. If you see me walking down the lane then you will know that it is safe for you to retire.” He then placed the key on the dressing table. “Keep the room locked when I am not here.”
“Yes, of course,” she murmured not truly wanting him to leave yet.
She may wish to be alone with her thoughts but she also feared where they would take her.
“Until tomorrow, Blythe. Sleep well.”
Then he was gone and she rushed forward to lock the door then returned to the window and waited.
The moments ticked by slowly but then she saw him emerge below. Orlando glanced up at her chamber window, nodded, then turned and strolled away as he lit the cheroot. She assumed that was for anyone else who may be watching. They would assume that he planned to return when she knew that he would not.
