Chapter Nineteen
Once back inLondon, Kate spent a good deal of time considering her mother-in-law’s words. Better to fight for what one wanted than moon about. How could she expect Robert to prefer her to Arabella if she was dull and depressing? There was an advantage in being a wife and living under the same roof. How much better it would be if she and Robert spent the day together in some pleasurable activity, and then an evening of lovemaking would follow naturally. As it should.
With a sense of purpose, she left her bedchamber dressed in a favorite pink gown and descended the stairs to join him for breakfast.
At the table, Robert wore the royal blue wool suit which accentuated his irresistible blue eyes, a silky cravat at his throat. He was so handsome her heart skittered.
“You are going out?” Surprised, she accepted a cup of coffee from Soames. She’d expected Robert to spend time with his business manager this morning.
“Yes. Newmarket. I won’t be home until late. Mercury is running in the autumn race meeting.”
“Oh, how exciting! I do hope he wins.” She was glad to see him smile, but disappointment tightened her stomach. “Might I come? I should love to see him race.”
He arched his eyebrows. “Ladies only attend the big society races. My dear, this meet would bore you.”
“I’m sure it wouldn’t.”
He regarded her, shaking his head. “My uncle always said there are two places a woman should not go. On board ship and to the races. However, I’m willing to concede that Ascot is an exception.”
Kate bit her lip. “I can hardly argue the point with your uncle, now can I?”
“I plan to attend the Jockey Club and I’m afraid ladies are not admitted.” Robert pushed back his chair. He bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, Kate, I must leave. Charles Bartholomew is taking me up in his phaeton at nine.”
Despite the reasonableness of his tone, something inside erupted. In the back of her mind, she pictured Arabella strolling on his arm at Newmarket. She took a sharp breath, suddenly filled with an awful anger. Her face grew hot and her fingers trembled with the urge to throw the coffee cup at his head. “Why do you never consult me as to how we might spend the day? I am your wife!” She jumped to her feet. “You are shamefully neglectful.” Her gown swished about her as she moved, and as her chest tightened, she gasped for air.
Hove hovered at the breakfast room door and then retreated, pulling Soames with him. The door closed.
Robert stared at her astounded. Then his eyes flickered dangerously. “Your accusation lacks veracity, madam. I have been an exemplary husband these past months! You surely cannot find fault with me when I merely wish for a day at the races with my friends. Friends I have seen little of, as of late.” His eyes narrowed. “Having remained closeted by your side at every social engagement and sensitive to your every need.”
One need he had not met hovered unspoken in the air. They faced each other in the middle of the room like sparring partners.
At the look in those hot blue eyes, Kate’s throat closed. She opened her mouth and licked her dry lips, her breaths jerky.
Robert glanced down at her breasts revealed above the neckline of her gown and then focused on her mouth. He took a step toward her.
“You are cavalier, sir,” she spat at him when she was finally able to draw breath.
He reached for her, and his hands burned into her shoulders as he gave them a little shake. “How ungrateful you are!”
“I ask so little of you.”
He pulled her closer, glaring down into her face. “You want too much! You want everything.”
“Everything?” She struggled free, afraid she would cry. “I want a husband who loves me.” She lifted her chin. “That’s all Ieverwanted.”
“And I want a woman I can trust.”
“Why can’t you trust me? I’ve never done anything to make you believe otherwise.”
“You think not? Were you with Southmore at Vauxhall?”
“I never wished for that man’s advances.”
Robert shrugged off her words. “You want a man gazing at you with calf eyes? Paying you pretty compliments? Making passionate love to you?” He grabbed her arm when she tried to evade him. “If that’s your idea of devotion, we can start right now. I’m happy to oblige you.”
“Don’t touch me!” She pulled her arm away, now fearful. This wasn’t the tender love she wished for. She saw the purpose in his eyes. “No, Robert.” She backed against the table.
He stepped closer with a grim smile on his face. “You are my wife, Kate. If I wish to make love to my wife, then I am legally within my rights to do so.”
