Page 36 of The Mistress of All & Torn

She immediately stood up, ready to fight.

“Madam, last night there was an incident for which there is no one to be blamed but you.”

She said nothing, trying to calm herself.

“You should show your husband enough respect to not barge into his apartment. Have I ever disturbed you since we married?”

“It was not my intention to disturb you. And I did knock, but your state did not allow you to hear, apparently.”

He threw her a sharp glare. “Impertinence is not a good strategy, madam.”

“Nor is violence and abuse, sir. Or is it?”

“Lady Barrington, you do not wish to anger me further, I assure you. It was my intention to grant you enough comfort to not bother each other. I expect you to never interfere in any of my businesses again, nor to ever wander around the house again, except for the common areas. The private wings should remain private. We shall not bother you and I expect the same courtesy.”

“Courtesy, sir?” she replied angrily, touching her swollen face.

He hesitated a moment. “That would not have happened if you were not in my apartment.”

“I did not wish to be there, I assure you. No more than the other women who were forced in there! This is not the behaviour of a gentleman! Not a real man’s actions!”

“Madam, I shall only tell you once! I do not wish to be bothered again. If I am, I shall not be held responsible for the consequences.”

He paused again, looking at her. “Do you believe you might be with child?”

She startled. “How could I know that?”

“Just in case, you will remain in your room, until further notice. We cannot put you in danger, if there is any child. You may ring and request anything you need.”

“What do you mean I will remain in my apartment? I have duties to attend to.”

“You are my wife, and this is your main duty!”

“There are requirements that I must fulfil, as you surely know! I cannot neglect them, or else the will left by Lady Sedgewick will be annulled!”

“Let me worry about that, madam. As I said, your concern should be my peace of mind.”

“Lord Barrington! Do you know anything about Lady Sedgewick’s ring? It has disappeared! That was the reason I came to your room last night—to ask about it! It was in my chamber and now it has suddenly gone!”

“All your belongings are mine, madam. You should know that. Everything you own is mine. You included.”

“For how long should I remain here?”

“I cannot say yet. My plans are undecided.”

“I must write to my family!”

“You wrote to them when we arrived, did you not?”

“Yes. But it has been a whole week and they will become worried if they hear nothing from me. And I am sure they will write to me too.”

“I am your family now, Lady Barrington. As for your parents and relatives, I will send them a letter, informing them we are happy and busy at our estate.”

“But I must write to them too. And I hope you will not keep their letters from me!”

“Lady Barrington, let us not argue over what is undecided yet. You will ring for anything you want. I must leave you now.”

“Lord Barrington! How is Sarah?”