“I take it the journey was not restful,” Theo observed, sliding a bishop.
“Hardly. She was not always like this.” Gregory swirled his drink. “There was a time when she would have danced in the rain, laughed over spilt wine. Now the slightest imperfection is a personal offense.”
Theo offered no reply.
What changed Loretta?
“And you?” Gregory asked, raising a brow. “How are you finding married life? Adjusting to sharing your sanctuary with a creature of beauty and fire?”
Theo let the corner of his mouth curve. “I am adjusting.”
“Shall we expect little feet pattering down the hallways of Stone Hall soon?”
Theo only shook his head, setting down his glass.
Does she even want children?The thought startled him with its clarity.Have I asked? Have I even considered what she truly desires?
He hovered over the board, momentarily adrift. Her image lingered in his mind, her dark lashes lowered as she played, her shoulders proud despite Loretta’s jabs.
You are losing this battle, Theo, and you are not prepared for where you might find yourself.
Twenty-Nine
April sat in the garden, her gaze drifting over the low hedges and bursts of summer roses. The sun filtered gently through the leaves, dappled light flickering across the tablecloth. At a short distance, Everett and Samuel darted between the trimmed yews, brandishing sticks as swords and laughing.
“You do not mind them romping about like that?” came Loretta’s voice.
April turned. Loretta was descending the stone steps with a deliberate grace, her red parasol swinging idly, her eyes already assessing the setting.
“Not at all,” April replied. “They are children, and the gardens are meant to be enjoyed.”
Loretta’s lips pressed into something like a smile. “Hmm,” she said, settling into the chair opposite April. “I did not sleep well.The room is rather small, and it does not overlook the gardens. One would expect a better view.”
April kept her tone even. “I shall have your rooms changed immediately, then.”
Loretta waved a hand. “Do not trouble yourself, Your Grace. We leave tomorrow. It is a trifling matter.”
Then why mention it at all?
April folded her hands in her lap, watching the boys tumble and shout with gleeful abandon.
“You must find Stone Hall dreadfully quiet,” Loretta said after a pause. “After all the bustle of Town, it must seem like living inside a painting.”
“It has its peace,” April argued. “I find that refreshing.”
Loretta gave a small, disbelieving laugh. “Ah yes, rustic serenity. Gregory attempted to find such tranquility on our tour of the Continent, but he could not resist showing me off in every piazza and promenade.”
How exhausting that must have been—for the Continent.
“He adores me of course,” Loretta continued, adjusting the ring on her finger. “Still, he carries this notion that I might be stolen from him. As if I were Helen of Troy.”
If you are Helen, then I pity the Greeks.
April offered a smile, tight but polite. “That must be flattering.”
Loretta tilted her head, watching her closely. “Well, he never quite got over the fact that Theo courted me.”
The words landed like a blow.April raised her chin slowly. “I beg your pardon?”
