Her dark eyebrows drew together over the bridge of her nose. “To what purpose?”
Orlando had hoped that she would want to become reacquainted as much as him. Could he have been so wrong?
“I have missed you.”
The corner of her mouth tipped as an eyebrow marched. “Truly?”
Why didn’t she believe him? Orlando could swear that they had been more to each other.
“Yes,” he answered. “I have thought of you often and wondered what became of you.”
“I returned home. My husband was dead. There was no reason to remain.”
A knife to his heart would not have hurt as badly. Had he meant absolutely nothing to her? He thought they had a deep friendship if nothing else.
“Besides, I find it difficult that you have spared any thought of me.”
“Why would you say so?”
She smirked. “Because you have not changed.”
Orlando tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “Exactly what are you implying?
“That you are still the rake disguised as a doctor.”
“I certainly am not, nor have I ever been.”
“I just noticed you leave Madam Devine’s, just as I often saw you leave the tents of the camp followers and lightskirts. For a man who spends so much time with women who are free with their affections, I find it difficult that you would remember me at all.”
“You truly think so little of me?” Orlando demanded.
“It is not a judgment, Orlando, simply an observation that you are no different than any other bachelor who embrace a rakish lifestyle.”
Her smile was sweet but not teasing. More of a matter of fact. “It has been good to see you again, Orlando, but now I must go.”
Before he could stop her, Blythe walked away and made her way to a waiting carriage.
Bloody hell! That had not gone well at all.
He also hadn’t thought she was so judgmental.
How did she even know that he’d just left a brothel?
He then saw Lady Andover cross to the same carriage; she turned, lifted her hand and waved her fingers.
Though he did not know her at all, Orlando would wager that it was Lady Andover who had informed Blythe where he had been if the mischief in the woman’s eyes was any indication.
Well, Blythe may have just set him aside but he was not yet finished with her.
Chapter Nineteen
Coming face to face with Orlando a second time was no easier than the first.
He had missed her and had thought of her.
Blythe nearly admitted to the same but remembered where he had just come from.
Not that it should matter, but it did and jealousy burned in the pit of her stomach.
