Page 143 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Still determining that. But I have suspicions."

"Such as?"

"There's a new groom. Started two weeks ago."

"We were at the house gathering two weeks ago."

"Exactly. Very convenient timing."

"Have you confronted him?"

"Not yet. I'm watching. Waiting."

"For what?"

"For him to make a mistake. They always do."

That night, despite exhaustion, no one slept well. Arabella dozed fitfully, waking every time she heard a noise. Lucien didn't sleep at all, sitting by the window, watching the grounds.

"Come to bed," she urged around midnight.

"I can't sleep."

"Neither can I, but at least we can not sleep together."

"That's illogical."

"That's marriage."

He came to bed but remained tense, alert to every sound.

"This is my fault," he said quietly.

"How is this possibly your fault?"

"My past, my choices, my connections."

"Our past, our choices, our connections. We're married, remember? Everything is shared."

"Including danger?"

"Especially danger. It's more interesting than domestic bliss."

"You're insane."

"You married me."

"Best insane decision I ever made."

"See? Insanity has benefits."

They were quiet for a moment, then Arabella said, "what if something happens? To me or the baby?"

"Nothing will happen."

"You can't guarantee that."

"Watch me."