“And how I treated my husband and stepchildren with disdain?”
“Yes, to all.”
Camilla toyed with the lace cuff of her long sleeve. “I’m happy to say the gossip circles are wrong. I’m not that woman.”
“I know. I have seen firsthand how loving you are toward Mr. Worthington’s children, and especially how attentive you are to your husband.” Lady Burwell chuckled. “In fact, I must say you are a better woman than most of the ladies I’m friends with.”
Camilla smiled. “I thank you for telling me that.”
Lady Burwell reached over and patted Camilla’s hand. “And I think your husband is very fortunate to be married to such a caring woman.”
“I hope he sees me in that same light.”
Lady Burwell laughed. “Oh, I think he does. I have noticed the way he looks at you, and there is a great amount of love in his expression.”
Camilla’s heart quickened. “You believe he truly loves me?”
“Indeed, as I can see your love for him.”
Lowering her gaze to her sleeve again, Camilla confessed, “I have never felt this way toward any man. I feel dizzy around him, yet in his arms, I’m safe and protected.”
“Does he know?”
Camilla lifted her attention to Lady Burwell. “I have never told him.”
“What is stopping you?”
Camilla tried to hide her smile, but her lips stretched of their own accord. Lady Burwell would absolutely die if she knew what stopped her. “I’ll certainly ponder your words.” She stood. “But I must get back to my husband.”
She turned and entered the house. The truth about her identity had to come out. Now.
*
Malcolm sat bythe open window and smiled. Since the patio was underneath the bedroom window, he had heard the conversation between Lady Burwell and his wife.
As he closed the window, his heart beat with unprecedented life, opening a new future for him. A future he couldn’t wait to pursue. Camillalovedhim.
Whether or not she admitted her love, he planned on telling her his feelings tonight. He still doubted she was the woman he exchanged marriage vows with, and that thought made him happier than he expected. If the woman wasn’t his wife, that meant she hadn’t been intimate with other men.
Just the thought of making her his wife in the bedroom sent his heart soaring. He wanted to have children with her, to grow old together, and love her for eternity. But… what if he was wrong?
The sudden change of his thoughts wiped away his energetic smile. If, instead, she were really the woman he exchanged vows with, could he still love her?
When Camilla walked into the bedroom and closed the door, he tore his gaze from the curtains and focused on her. Her smile radiated, stirring a heat deep inside him. She was too beautiful to be the woman he married. He prayed he was right about her identity.
“Good afternoon, Malcolm. How do you feel?”
He ran his gaze over her attire, and his heart softened. The daffodil dress made her brown hair stand out. He wanted to stroke the curl by her ear so badly his finger itched. Before he went utterly mad, he needed to bring her closer. “I have never felt better.”
“I suggested to Lady Burwell she have their physician check you over again, because I think you are strong enough to go home.”
“As do I.”
“I know the children miss you, as I’m certain you miss them.”
“What about you? Do you miss the children?”
Her smile widened. “I’m completely lost without them.”
