Later when everyone retired, Robert joined her in their room. “What did you and my mother discuss after you left the drawing room?” The sharp tone to his voice made her tense, even thought she’d expected it.
“A variety of things.”
He folded his arms and leaned against the bedpost. “Something that required privacy?”
Kate thought it unwise to tell him the truth, and she refused to betray his mother. “You were mentioned, naturally. After all, you are her son. She is interested in how you are. She loves you.”
He nodded. “I am sorry about Lady Elphinstone. She is inclined to plain speaking. You must try to ignore her.”
“Plain speaking? The woman is smitten with you.”
“You’re imagining things, Kate.”
She doubted it, for that lady stood between them turning the air in the room chilly. He strode to the door. “I’ll leave you in peace and sleep in my dressing room.”
“Robert…?” She wanted to call him back, have them talk, even laugh about it. But he was gone.
Kate lay in bed wishing for sleep, thinking back over the evening. After she and Robert’s mother had returned to the salon, Lady Charlesworth must have observed her son’s stony face where he stood near the fireplace talking to the groom. And Lord Charlesworth looked equally uncomfortable. Fortunately, the other guests knew nothing of the undercurrents which swirled around them as they walked into the dining room for dinner.
After they dined, Merry entertained them. And what a fine pianist she was. Guests applauded her from their chairs in the large salon after she’d played Bach and Mozart sonatas with great proficiency. Then whist and other games were played at tables set up for the purpose in the long drawing room.
She had spent the evening wondering what would happen when she and Robert returned to their allotted bedchamber. And she had to admit she was looking forward to sharing a bed with him. But the bed she lay in was cold on his side. And she supposed he was uncomfortable in his dressing room. In the end, she decided she had to see for herself if he was all right. She slipped from the bed and pulled on her gown and slippers. Tiptoeing down the hall, she turned the latch of his dressing room door. She opened it and peeked inside. The narrow bed was empty.
Kate spun around and hurried back to her chamber and curled up in the bed shivering. Was he with Arabella? If so, he was lost to her. She bit her lip and stared into the dark.
*
Robert strolled theterrace in the moonlight, a cheroot in his hand. Why did Kate always think the worst of him? What might he do when accused of something he was innocent of? His conscience was clear. Dash it all, a man should be able to tumble his wife whenever and wherever it took his fancy. He should not be made to feel guilty.
A dark shape emerged through the French doors. “Not sleeping, Robert?” Hugh asked coming over to him.
“No. Gave up trying. Matters in London on my mind.” He eyed the groom. “Nervous?”
“A little. I am looking forward to the wedding though. Very much.”
“You have chosen well with Merry. A wonderful married life awaits you.” Robert wondered why it sounded so simple when he put it into words.
“Yes, I love her dearly.” Hugh shivered. “I fancy a brandy. How about a game of cards?”
“Excellent idea.” It was love, Robert decided, following Hugh inside. One word which described so much and carried such weight. Relationships could flounder with the lack of it and be splendid if both parties loved one another. He’d seen so little of it among his friends, however. Did he love Kate? He was sure he felt a good deal for her, admiration, respect, desire, but he wasn’t sure if that was love. He knew he would love his child, that would be unconditional. He thought of his mother, how small and frail she looked. How long did he have if he wished to repair the rift?
As if he was summoned, Robert’s stepfather walked into the room where he and Hugh sat at a card table.
“I’m not surprised to find you here,” he said drawing up a chair.
Robert took a sip of his whiskey and swilled it around his mouth as if to remove a sour taste. “Like to explain why?”
“I can see your wife is unhappy.”
Robert glared at him. “That’s a bald statement, sir. I wonder how you came to it.”
“She told your mother so.”
Hugh cleared his throat.
Surprised, Robert fought to come up with a response, but Charlesworth stood, bid them a good evening, and left the room.
Furious, Robert wanted to go after the man and have it out with him. How dare he make observations about Robert’s marriage. But he wouldn’t because Charlesworth spoke the truth. So, Kate had sought his mother’s advice. A further example of her disloyalty. But for some reason he couldn’t direct his anger or his frustration at her. Not anymore. “I’ll take three cards, thanks.”
