Phillip chuckled. “Yes, and I assume she kissed you back if you were still kissing when the biggest gossip in the countryside entered the room.”
Ewan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yes, but if I hadn’t gone looking for Thea in the sitting room, then—”
“And if Napoleon weren’t such a horse’s ass, we wouldn’t be at war. Things happen for reasons, Clayton. And it sounds to me as if the two of you couldn’t keep your hands off one another. That says something.”
“I’m not certain Thea would agree with that statement,” Ewan grumbled, but even as he said the words, he couldn’t stop thinking of last night in bed with Thea. They certainly hadn’t been able to keep their hands off each other then.Thank God.
Phillip crossed his arms over his chest and regarded his friend down the length of his nose. “Well, Thea is coming to have tea with me later, and I’m quite interested to hearLady Clayton’sside of this tale.”
CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Later that morning, Thea knocked lightly on the door to Phillip’s sitting room. Maggie had drawn Thea a bath earlier and they hadn’t spoken about any of the details of the night before. The maid might have raised her eyebrows when she gathered the remnants of the torn nightrail, but to her credit she didn’t say a word.Thank heavens. Thea had little idea how she would have explained it had her friend asked.
Thea had been looking forward to her visit with Phillip all day. She might be married to a man who didn’t love her, but at least she had Phillip to talk to and Alabaster to ride again. Things might not be so bad here at Clayton Manor after Ewan left to return to his life in London.
“Come in,” came Phillip’s gentle voice.
Thea pushed open the door and stepped inside. Bright sunlight streamed through the windows on the far side of the room. Phillip was sitting at his writing desk, busily scribbling. She smiled brightly at the sight of her friend. The moment he realized it was her, he turned, stood and immediately returned her smile.
“There you are, Viscountess Clayton,” Phillip said. He stood and bowed to her.
Thea swallowed. This was the first time anyone had called her by her new married name. It surprised her, causing her to go silent for a moment. “Yes, I’m Viscountess Clayton now. For better or for worse.”
Phillip frowned. “What doesthatmean?”
She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. It’s good to see you,Your Grace,” she finally managed.
“No. Now, there will be none of that. My name is Phillip and that’s what you shall call me forevermore.”
She inclined her head and smiled. “Very well … Phillip.”
“It’s good to see you standing and walking,” he continued. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you do that, you know.”
Thea chuckled. “I suppose that’s true. My leg has healed. I do hope you received my letter and have forgiven me for leaving without saying good-bye.”
“Of course.” Phillip cleared his throat. “I’m only sorry I couldn’t come to the wedding,” he said, guilt lining his features. “I hope you understand. I’m not yet ready to tell Society that I’m not dead.” He chuckled.
“Funny,” Thea breathed. “I sort of wish Icouldtell Society that I’m dead.”
Phillip strode to her and took her hands. He studied her face. “That hardly sounds like a happy bride. Come and sit.”
Tears burned the backs of Thea’s eyes as she followed the duke to a set of chairs near the window and took a seat in one of them. Phillip waited for her to sit before lowering himself into the other chair.
“I’m not much of a happy bride, I’m afraid,” Thea began, staring out the window at the sky.
Phillip studied her face. “I’m sorry to hear that. Tell me what happened. Clayton’s only given me the barest sketch of the details.”
Thea pressed her lips together and shrugged. “I suppose now that I’m a married lady, I can do things like sit and talk with you about such things.”
Phillip nodded. “I only want to help. Clayton told me you’d refused to marry him after the gossip in the papers.”
Thea sighed. “That’s true but then …” Her cheeks burned. Why was it difficult to admit what had happened after?
“Then, what?” Phillip prompted.
“Then Ewan came to my father’s Christmastide ball. And he kissed me. And I kissed him. And Lady Hepplewhite saw us.”
“And you were forced to marry.” Phillip searched her face. “That’s why you’re unhappy? You didn’t want to marry Clayton?”
