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Richard held out his hands in appeal. “It was two or three years ago⁠—”

Sophia did not wait for his excuses. She was already heading out of the room, ignoring his response.

Richard left his brother in the study to follow Sophia. When he could not find her in the library or lower rooms, he eventually tried her chambers and found her sitting on a window ledge, seething. Her eyes were directed out to the street, but he sensed she was not seeing anything, instead lost in her thoughts.

He wished to tell her the truth, but more than that, he wanted to maintain her esteem and admiration. How could he tell her that, despite the fact she sought security by becoming his wife, not three days into the marriage, he had brought the enemy to the gates? He could not. He thought about what the duke had advised him, but he just could not bring himself to risk losing her regard.

Instead, he would need to use his well-honed charms to coax her out of her mood. A little misdirection to restore her good humor. “I apologize for not informing you about the guardsmen.”

She turned her head to scowl at him.

“You and Ethan are too important. Having a family depending on me is an unfamiliar experience. I promise I am being cautious because I care about you.”

His knees went weak with relief when her face softened to its normal composure. “I appreciate that. I appreciate that this is new to you.”

Richard stepped closer, his gaze soft as he looked at her. “I have never known a woman like you before, Sophia. And now, a child … such a tiny, precious child. At times, it feels like an overwhelming responsibility.”

She tilted her head back to look at him, her iridescent blue eyes speculative. “This is quite a change in circumstances, is it not?”

He nodded, running a hand through his hair. “I had no idea one’s life could change this much in such a short period. I had to step in when I inherited the title. But this … this is different. This is … real. Living, breathing family under my roof, depending on me to make the right decisions to keep both of you safe.”

Sophia reached out a slender hand to capture his own. “I understand. I apologize for my impatience.”

He looked down at their clasped hands, and something stirred in his chest. Mayhap Halmesbury was right. Was it possible that a Balfour was developing a true depth of feeling for his wife? What horrific timing to have his emotions entangled for the first time in his adulthood, just when he needed to keep a clear head and find the source of the machinations plaguing his life.

He raised her hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on her fingers, relieved that he had distracted her from her suspicions.

Chapter

Thirteen

“Decorum in conduct is essential to a woman's respectability.”

Dr. John Gregory, A Father’s Legacy to His Daughters

Sophia knew her foolish husband believed he had distracted her from her suspicions, but she merely relented when she noticed the strain visible in the tense lines of his face. For a man of just seven and twenty, his worries were aging him before her eyes these past few days. If only he would share the burden with her, but the oaf was keeping secrets. Most likely because of ridiculous male pride. However, she had promised him patience while he grew used to having a partner in his life, so she would provide it. Within reason.

She set aside her suspicions and allowed herself to enjoy dinner with him. Later that night, he had shown her just how his devilish reputation had been earned, proving himself to be both attentive and entirely captivating. Her cheeks warmed as she recalled the moments of pure bliss he had given her, his tenderness leaving her in awe.

If he continued to treat her with such care and devotion, she thought with a small smile, patience would come easily.

But now it was morning. And practicing patience, fortunately, did not mean she could not take steps to investigate what he was hiding from her. Which was why she currently pressed her ear to the door of his study to eavesdrop while he discussed the secret problem with his brother.

“… the night guardsmen reported they saw a man out in the square until late who could have been watching Balfour Terrace.”

She heard Perry whistle. “So, it is true, then? There is one perpetrator for your wedding night fiasco, the spiteful print, and the note?”

Note? What note? She knew it! Richard was hiding something from her.

“It would appear so. I think I should increase security. If this continues—I will do whatever it takes to keep Sophia and Ethan safe.”

Just then, Sophia heard the clip of Radcliffe’s shoes approaching. She straightened up in haste and smoothed her skirts before lifting her hand to knock on the study door. Her husband called for her to enter.

As she stepped into the room, she feigned surprise at the sight of Perry lounging in one of the plump armchairs. “Good morning,” she said politely before turning her attention to her husband—her prideful, stubborn husband. Keeping her expression composed, she greeted him pleasantly, though she was certain her cheeks betrayed her with a faint blush at the memory of their time together the night before.

At least Richard looked pleased to see her, and the warmth in his gaze softened some of her frustration.

“I was wondering if you and I could take Ethan to the park this morning? The boy is used to living on a farm, and I think it would be good for him to enjoy the outdoors.”