“For example?”
She stared at the tips of her boots appearing and disappearing from underneath the hem of her skirt. Jacob had never kissed, hugged, or praised David. His behaviour hurt her deeply and was devastating for David.
“I don’t wish to talk about that further. Please understand. It’s very difficult for me to…” A traitorous sob broke her voice.
The wave of sadness caught her off guard. Maybe it overwhelmed her because Ethan had proven to her once again he was an honourable man while she’d doubted him. Being close to him only showed her how different he was from Jacob. Obviously, she was a terrible judge of men. Or maybe it was because Jacob couldn’t be more different from Ethan, and shewas reminded of her husband’s senseless brutality. Whatever the reason, the more she cried, the more uncomfortable she felt. She hated crying because she wasn’t a victim; she fought back. But sometimes being strong meant to cry.
She slid her arm out of his and sped up. “I’m sorry.”
“Cora, please.” He caught up with her and took her hand gently. “I must apologise. I didn’t mean to upset you with my questions.”
She wiped her tears quickly. “No, it’s not you. You did nothing wrong.”
“Cora.” He tugged at her hand. “Look at me.”
No, she didn’t want to. He would see how fragile she was at that moment, how angry. Because she should have understood a long time ago who Jacob was. Instead, she had let herself be deceived by his sweet words and handsome looks.
She slipped her hand from his grip. “I have to go. I’m sorry.”
“Cora.”
“Please. I need to be alone.” She hurried along the pavement, and he didn’t follow her.
eight
CORA WAS GLAD Jacob had ignored her for the whole day. After she’d returned from the park with David and her maid, Jacob had been nowhere to be seen. The butler had informed her his lordship would dine out and return late. A blessing. She could have a nice and quiet dinner with David in the small dining room overlooking the garden.
“And now Lord Stark is a commander?” David asked, cutting a large piece of his steak.
“I believe so. He was awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross for bravery,” Cora said with no small amount of pride.
“Capital.”
She was about to say Ethan had asked about him when the sound of quick footfalls cut her off. She would recognise the sound of those steps anywhere.
“There’s nothing capital about receiving a piece of rusted metal for having crawled through a muddy jungle.” Jacob strode inside and scraped a chair back. “Stark is nothing but an idiot.”
David straightened up and stared at his plate. Cora stiffened. What was Jacob doing here?
The footman hurried to bring a bowl of hot soup, bread, and cheese to his master. Jacob dismissed him and the butler with an impatient wave afterwards.
“A Victoria Cross is not just a piece of metal,” Cora said. “The crosses are made from the cannons taken by our troops in Sebastopol during the Crimean?—”
“Did I ask for a history lesson?” The way Jacob wielded the cheese knife made the blunt blade look dangerous. “Stark is no one.” He put all his hatred in the last two words. “A crippled, mutilated, deluded man.”
David flinched at each word.
Jacob slammed his hand on the table, causing the glasses to shake. “Stop being so damn weak, rat. If you have something to say, then say it.”
Wincing, David muttered something she didn’t understand.
“Louder,” Jacob said, slicing a piece of bread.
“Leave him be. You’re frightening him.” Cora squeezed David’s hand, but he didn’t gaze up at her.
Jacob pointed the knife at her. “You turned him into a spineless worm. You do nothing but defend him and justify his every weakness. Look at him. He can’t answer a question without trembling.”
“Because you’re yelling at him,” Cora said.
