“Yes.”
The word landed cleanly. Margaret felt it more than she expected.
“You believe distance is required,” she said.
“I believe clarity is required,” he exhaled lightly. “We entered this marriage with an understanding. I have not deviated from it.”
“No,” she said quietly. “You have not.”
Silence stretched between them.
“You asked for nothing more,” he continued. “I have ensured you lack nothing.”
“I lack nothing material,” she said.
His jaw tightened slightly.
“If there is some discomfort, you need only say so.”
“There is discomfort.”
“Then speak of it plainly.”
She forced herself not to look away.
“I feel as though you have completed a duty and withdrawn.”
His expression did not change.
“That is not accurate.”
“Then explain it.”
He rose from his chair, moving around the desk but keeping a careful distance between them.
“I have responsibilities beyond this house,” he said. “Tenants. Properties. Matters that require attention.”
“I do not question your diligence.”
“Then what do you question?”
“You,” she said.
“In what way?”
“Whether you are avoiding me.”
His gaze hardened slightly.
“I am not avoiding you.”
“You do not linger.”
“That was not part of the agreement.”
There it was again. He had not done anything wrong, but it felt as though he had. Margaret wished that she could explain it better.
“Was companionship excluded?” she asked.
