Genuine surprise crossed the viscount’s face. “And widow her so soon? Not at all.”
“Then you offer a warning.”
“Yes.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Just because I said I wouldn’t call you out doesn’t mean––”
Raising a hand was enough for Dominic to silence Cassian. The other gentleman appeared almost uncomfortable now with his own emotions, and it made Dominic curious. What was Cassian doing here, talking like this, when he’d practically shoved the match together?
His thoughts spun as he sorted out the situation.
“You will not call me out, and I will not call you out. We have family now intertwined with names that we care about,” he said pointedly. Cassian had the decency to look somewhat abashed. “Now that Verity and I have wed, our marriage is only between us. You don’t get to set precedence on this relationship, nor arrange expectations or even make assumptions. If you want to interfere in a marriage, I suggest you find yourself a wife.”
Cassian huffed. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I’m not the reason we are here,” Dominic reminded him. He closed the distance. “We are bound together by a secret, Cassian. That is enough. We do not need to be friends. We are barely family. But you entrusted your sister into my care and I will keepher there. I made vows before you, her, and God, did I not? You don’t know what happened with those two young ladies or what was said, do you?”
“No, but it looked––”
He interrupted impatiently. “Then spend five minutes in your company to see if they do it to you as well. Or to any other titled gentleman who still has most of his teeth.”
“Blast it, I do have all my teeth.”
“I am married to Verity.” Dominic carried on, ignoring him. “I am married to your sister. She is my wife. I will respect her and I will honor her. Tonight, we have danced a full set together to continue proving to the rest of London that we are a well-suited match. A match that you yourself arranged. This is no time to go back on your word, Cassian.”
After grumbling under his breath, the viscount slowly nodded. “Very well. I do suppose you have some fair points.”
“Good.” Dominic wanted to get back to his wife, so he started for the door.
He would have left if Cassian didn’t call after him, “It is a well-suited match, is it not? She is happy, I trust?”
“You should ask her yourself.”
“I would, I only…” Cassian dropped his gaze when Dominic looked back. The hesitant expression had him looking much younger as he quietly muttered, “Verity grew up on fairy tales. She wouldn’t tell anyone now. She always hoped for a happy marriage match, and I only… People were already talking about her like she was on the shelf, Your Grace. Verity. Can you believe it?”
Sighing, Dominic leaned against the door. “Society says many things. Little of it is generous.”
“I only thought… She could be happy. By all accounts, you are a decent fellow without any scandals tied to your name or family. Even though it was necessary, I should like her to be content. To be happy with the match.”
He felt the need to offer a lifeline. “It’s still early.”
“Do you love her?”
His mouth opened and closed in surprise over the question. Staring at Cassian, Dominic wondered where the word came from. Love? What part did love play here? He supposed it was in the vows somewhere, but love was a… a vague concept that many claimed or prayed for or didn’t believe.
He personally avoided the mere thought.
“Love?” He echoed, feeling the word sit unfamiliar on his tongue.
Cassian started to draw forward again before remaining where he stood, determined to leave some distance between them. “I see what you do for her. My sisters have told me about the letters. And tonight, I saw the way she looked at you.”
“What?” Dominic frowned, not understanding. He didn’t think there were any problems between him and Verity at the moment. She had seemed happy enough. He hadn’t noticed any trouble. He had even let her tease him.
“If you don’t love her,” Cassian muttered just loud enough for him to hear, “Then do not let her believe that you do. Please.”
A cloud of confusion swept over Dominic as he stared at Cassian. As he thought about his wife. The way she fit so well in his arms, the perfect height. The lilac scent of her wafting about, lingering in the carriage and their library. The way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight and how she brightened with a good tease or jest.
