“Your Grace.” She endeavored to keep both her voice and demeanor placid.
He stood in front of her and their eyes held. April still could not read his expression, but she did wonder why he was hesitating. Then his gaze began to grow intense, a magnetism forming and holding between them.
I should step back… Should I?
Theo offered his arm, and taking a slow breath, she took it, saying nothing. Yet she felt everything. The solid muscle beneath the fine fabric of his sleeve. The steely confidence of his gait, the scent that had become so familiar.Her heart beat like it might betray her.
They entered the dining room. The table stretched long and formal, set for two at opposite ends.Of course.
He escorted her to her seat and pulled her chair out. When she was seated, he walked back the length of the table and took his own place.
Perhaps this is for the best. If we are far apart, we need not pretend to converse.
She focused on her plate, particularly on the pheasant which was tender in a rich sauce. She ate, and the silence stretched.
“What do you think of the manor?” he asked at last.
“It is an elegant place.”Why is he attempting to converse with me?
“You may redecorate, anything you wish.”
She glanced up at him. “Yes, Mrs. Maple mentioned that.”
He nodded, and she let the silence remain.I will not give more than you are giving me, Theo.
“Do you intend to ignore me like this for the rest of our marriage?”
The movement of her knife halted mid-cut. Slowly, she turned her gaze to him.Her lips parted, as though words might follow.
Yet none did.
I have always had something to say to him. Now, I do not even know who he is.
She picked up her sherry glass and took a long sip.Theo gave a small nod then muttered something she could not catch.
The rest of the meal passed in silence. When they finished, she rose.
“I shall retire. Good evening.”
And she left him there, seated at the opposite end of the table, with too much space between them and far too many unsaid things.
Theo,
trust you are keeping well and as taciturn as ever. Loretta and I have decided that we are returning to England for good. Four years is a long time to be away. We miss home and we miss you.
We shall visit you in Stone Hall as soon as we return, and I am sure you will find Samuel and Everett older and more pleasant than ever.
Be well and smile more often, Cousin.
Yours,
Gregory.
Theo folded the missive and set it aside to respond as a later time. He will not believe his wandering cousin and his family will return to England until he saw them. Picking up the next correspondence—this one from his solicitor—he unfolded it and concentrated:
Your Grace,
As requested, I have initiated the release of your remaining inheritance. It may take several weeks, but I will speak to the judge should you need it expedited.
