“Why didn’t you marry him?” Trevor growled.
“Because my parents didn’t think he was wealthy enough. And of course, you had the higher title.”
Trevor shook his head, raking his fingers through his hair. “It was all about money?”
“Of course. Most marriages are that way, why should yours be any different?”
He found himself laughing, although humor was the furthest thing from his mind. “Well, mydear wife, I can fix that quickly enough. From this point on, you are cut off from my money. Although—God forbid—you shall remain my wife, you will not get a shilling from me ever again. And I shall tell the stores to seek approval from me before you make any more purchases.”
Gasping, she ran to him and beat his chest. Trevor stumbled backward toward a horse.
“Gwen, my darling,” Putney called to her as he tried to stop her. “No need to fear. I will buy you anything your heart desires. I shall find a way to make more money.”
Trevor shook his head. Putney was a foolish dolt and deserved the pitiful woman. “Putney, you might as well give up. Let her have her tirade. Little good it will do her.” He shoved the other man away.
“You cannot do that to me,” she continued to yell and pound on Trevor’s chest, backing him into the stall more. “I am your wife.”
“Oh, so now you want to live up to the title. Sorry, Lady Kenbridge, it does not work that way. Not in my eyes, anyway.”
Growling, she lunged at him and raked her fingernails across his neck. He grasped her hand, keeping the viper from striking again. “Gwen, you have now made your bed in the filthy stables. I hope you enjoy your life.” He pushed her away.
She stumbled backward and fell against the horse. Startled, the animal neighed and jumped. Gwen continued downward until landing by the horse’s back legs.
When the horse continued to stomp and snort, fear sank inside Trevor. Everything happened so fast he didn’t have time to react—and neither did Gwen. The horse kicked her in the head, silencing the angry woman quicker than any words would.
How long Trevor stood staring at his mother’s stables, he didn’t know, but a flock of geese flying overhead brought him out of his devastating memory. When would he forget the past? Putney had blamed Trevor for not saving Gwen when the horse trampled her to death. Even now he wondered if he hesitated from pulling her away from the horse because of his anger for his wife.
Perhaps he had killed his wife.
He released a pent up breath and continued into the stable. Levi quickly brought his horse around and wished Trevor a good day.
A good day?How long had it been since Trevor truly had had agoodday?
Gradually, a grin snuck across his face. It didn’t matter if Louisa brought disaster into his household on occasion, she’d certainly made his days brighter.
As he prepared to mount, another rider came into the stable. Trevor smiled at his brother, grateful to see him since his brother hid himself most of the day and drank with his friends at night.
“Good afternoon, Tristan,” Trevor called out.
Tristan nodded and dismounted. His light brown hair ratted in the back of his head as if he’d been sleeping somewhere. A day’s growth of whiskers coated his chin. Trevor wished his brother would take better care of himself.
“What are you about this afternoon?” Tristan asked.
“I have been to see Mother. What have you been doing? Or need I ask?”
Tristan shrugged, acting like he didn’t have a care in the world. “I don’t think you need to ask.”
“Very well then. Can I speak to you about other business?”
Groaning, Tristan ran his fingers through his unkempt hair. “Does it have to be now?”
“I’m here and you are here, so why wait?”
Tristan sighed and folded his arms, leaning back against a wall. “Then I beg you, hurry and say what is on your mind.”
Trevor moved toward his brother, stopping in front. “I want to know why the authorities are suspecting you of Lord Hollingsworth’s death.”
Tristan snorted a laugh. “The authorities suspect many others as well.”
