Page 134 of The Earl She Once Saved

“Of course.”

Roland came closer. “You danced with my brother as though you had forgotten whose wife you are.”

“I had forgotten nothing,” she retorted.

“Everyone saw you.”

“Yes.”

The calm answer disturbed him.

He stopped before her. “Then you will come down and correct the impression.”

“What impression?”

“That you have encouraged him.”

Verity laughed softly. “You chose this moment to concern yourself with appearances?”

Roland’s attention sharpened. “This is about him. It has always been about him.”

“It is about your party and my refusal to attend it.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “You are jealous.”

“Of Celestine?” Verity forced herself to meet his eyes. “Do not flatter yourself that you understand me.”

“I understand my wife.”

“You never attempted to.”

He reached for her. Verity stepped back. Sergeant moved between them.

Roland looked down at the dog. “Remove that animal.”

“No.”

“This is not a request.”

“Nor was my answer.”

For an instant, neither moved. Then, Roland smiled. The mask returned so smoothly that another woman might have believed it had never slipped.

“You have become very bold in my absence.”

“I had little choice.”

“And now that I have returned, you find obedience difficult.”

“I found it impossible before you left.”

He took a step toward her, closing the distance between them. Sergeant rose, a low growl building in his throat.

Roland tightened his grip. “Control that dog.”

“Then keep your distance.”

His eyes held hers. Verity did not look away.