Adrian quenched those flames, suffocating them into cinders.
“Tell Her Grace that I am busy,” he said.
“She also asked…” Mr. Watley’s voice cracked with nervousness. “She wished to check if you might be free later today? She intends to spend it with Harriet and thought you might want to join them both.”
Adrian winced as images of Ophelia and Harriet passed through his mind. He had enjoyed this last week, the company of his wife, the presence of Harriet. For those few days, he had been happy like he did not know was possible.
“I am busy all day, Mr. Watley,” he said, still not turning. “And be sure to tell my wife that she is not to disturb me. Is that clear?”
Mr. Watley did not speak right away, no doubt judging Adrian.
“Well?” he barked.
“It shall be done,” Mr. Watley said and then quickly closed the door.
That left Adrian alone in his office, as was common. But it wasn’t just his office where he sat alone. Rather, it was his entire world. He might never be truly happy. He might never be loved or love in return. But he would also not bring shame onto his name or onto Ophelia’s. And that was what mattered most.
And just as she would not thank him for it, one day, she might come to understand. Adrian was no good; she deserved better than what he offered her, so this was for her… always, for her.
CHAPTER 27
“He said that?” Ophelia asked Mr. Watley. “Those exact words?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Mr. Watley responded. “He was adamant that you be told not to disturb him today. And might I say, I know His Grace quite well, better than most.” He was sure to look at her so his words would not be misunderstood. “In this instance, I suggest you heed his request.”
She clicked her tongue with frustration. “Very well, Mr. Watley. And thank you.”
“Your Grace.” He bowed deeply and hurried from the breakfast room.
Ophelia had a plate of food in front of her, but her appetite had suddenly vanished. She poked and prodded the eggs absently; her thoughts well and truly fixed on her husband.
It had not surprised her that Adrian did not wish to join her for breakfast. Based on what he said last evening, how angry he had been, she had fully expected him to dig in his heels because that was his way. But that he had been so firm in his command that she not see him at all… that was more than troubling.
It is just like the last time, when he avoided me as if I carried the plague. No, not like last time. This time is far worse.
The last time he had avoided her, it had been in the early stages of their marriage. Then, even Ophelia had not been certain what she wanted, or what she could expect. She had not known her husband nearly well enough, and there had been a small part that wondered if maybe having little to do with one another was for the best.
Since that time, so much has changed.
Ophelia knew who Adrian was now, just as she knew what he really wanted. Oh sure, he would claim that he wished for nothing to do with her, and that he was happier that way, but such words were lies and tasted like ash on her tongue.
Despite his objections, he had enjoyed their last week together. Slowly, so very surely, she had seen him come from out of his shell, finally starting to realize that it was not such a bad thing to have someone else in his life who he cared for, and who cared for him. Why, she would have gone so far as to say that he was happy.
But just as he was happy, he was also scared.
Last evening reminded him of the dangers that came with trusting your life to another. In fact, he cared for her so deeply that he had stepped in to protect her where he had not needed to. In so doing, he had invited yet another scandal into their life, and that had inevitably dragged him back to his previous state of being.
The question thus came, what was Ophelia going to do about it?
She spent the next hour considering her path. A week ago, she might have granted Adrian his wish, thinking that in time he would come around. Now, she doubted that waiting and wishing would make any difference.
No… Adrian was stubborn; he was determined, and if Ophelia did nothing, she might never hear from or see him again. She wanted to take things slow, but the time for caution had passed. Adrian cared for her; he wanted her in his life, and it was up to Ophelia to prove this.
To make him see what he can have… what we both might have.
With that, Ophelia came to a decision. She pushed back her plate, she stood from behind the table, and she made her way upstairs.
Adrian’s office door was closed, and Ophelia paused outside of it. She could literally feel the cold seeping from within, as if it were warning her to turn around. But she told herself that Adrian wanted to see her, that he wanted her to remind him of what he really wanted in this life. She had to believe that.
