“It was not dark, but it was not light either. He carries so much alone. I want to help him, but he gives me bits and pieces of his burdens and truths, as if he doesn’t trust me wholly.”
“Give him some time, Camelia,” Iris suggested.
“I have. And I don’t plan to abandon him. Not now or ever.”
Margaret’s brow softened. “Then why do you still look like you’re drowning in this union?”
“Because every time I reach for the last piece he keeps locked away, he flinches. He’ll give me almost everything, but not absolution. Not yet.” Camelia’s voice cracked. “I see the man he could be if he’d only forgive himself, and I’m terrified that if I push too hard, he’ll retreat behind those walls forever. So, I wait. And I ache. And I refuse to leave him in the dark alone.”
Iris reached over and covered Camelia’s hand with her own. “Then keep holding the lantern, darling. Some doors only open from the inside. He’s already turning the key; he just hasn’t stepped through yet.”
Margaret flung an arm around Camelia’s shoulders. “And if he still refuses to behave, we’ll kidnap you and Pamela. She’s clearly the only sane person in that house anyway.”
Camelia laughed and leaned into them both, accepting their embrace as her heart and mind prepared for a battle she may or may not lose back at Brentmere.
CHAPTER 29
David sank onto the settee with the ease of an old friend, but his usual wry smile had dimmed when he saw Raph’s weary expression.
Raph handed the letter to his friend.
“Good God,” David muttered, opening the letter. “You look ready for murder.”
Raph remained silent as David scanned the lines and let out a low whistle.
He leaned forward, elbows on knees. “Well? What did Camelia say when you showed her this charming billet-doux?”
“I haven’t shown it to her.”
David’s eyebrows shot up. “You haven’t—Raph, are you mad? The woman is your wife, not some decorative porcelain you keep on a shelf and away from all the bad things. This is about her family, too, isn’t it?”
“Yes. She is also the reason Montague thinks he can squeeze me twice as hard,” Raph said flatly. “He believes if he threatens Pamela or Camelia, he has me by the collar. I cannot put any of them in danger, and by letting her know the truth, that’s exactly what will happen.”
David gave a short, incredulous laugh. “So, instead, you’re planning to… what? Shoulder the pounds and a bastardy scandal alone? Again?”
“I handled it once. I’ll handle it again.”
“You handled it by receiving a bullet in your shoulder and watching your sister die,” David snapped. “Forgive me if I’m not eager for anencore.”
Raph’s eyes flicked up, flashing dangerously. “Mind your tongue.”
“No, you mind yours,” David shot back.
Raph took the letter from him and crumpled it in his fist.
“Lord Montague is relentless.” David shook his head.
“If I give him what he asks for, it won’t end. He’ll return, snarling for more. This is chess played by wolves.”
“Oh, you definitely cannot give in to him. You’ve tangled with him before, and that duel left you bloodied, but it clearly did nothing to curb his appetite.” David paused. “Montague plays for control, not coin, Raph. Give him an inch, and he’ll take the whole estate.”
Raph’s jaw clenched. He rubbed absently at the stubble on his chin. “He is a man who thrives on weakness. But I am not ten-and-six anymore.”
“Have you considered legal action? It might slow him. But if he’s got his webs spun deep, then scratch that. Exposure could cost you more than you’re prepared to pay.”
“Legal action led him tothis.” Raph held up the crumpled letter, and his voice dropped to a rough whisper. “I cannot buy his silence, and I cannot surrender now. That will invite a slow bleed.”
David folded his hands in his lap. “So, what’s your move, Raph?”
