Page 40 of An Arranged Marriage with a Mad Marquess
Chapter Thirteen
Patrina paced up and down, glancing anxiously at the clock.
It felt like something out of a novel, sending a note to her own husband via her maid. Really, though, there seemed to be no other way to reach Neil, not without encountering either Clayton or Thomasin.
A full day had passed since their arrival, and the time had dragged after that fateful breakfast. It was clear that nobody else was particularly pleased at Thomasin and Clayton inviting themselves to stay, but neither would anyone say anything about it. Clayton stuck by Neil’s side like glue, and Thomasin similarly attached herself to Emma and Cynthia. Patrina found herself rather passed over.
Not that she minded. There was something which made her a little uneasy about the two of them.
You’re letting your imagination get the best of you,she told herself firmly.It’s only because they don’t like you. I daresay they’re just protective of Neil.
But shehadto talk to Neil, and so she’d had Lucy deliver the note. It was a simple one:Meet me in the library at one o’ clock, I need to speak with you. Alone, please.
It was exactly five minutes past one, and Patrina’s chest tightened.
What if he doesn’t come?
She imagined Neil rolling his eyes, showing the note to Clayton, then chuckling as he crumpled it in his fist.
Patrina was in the middle of this miserable vision when the door opened with a creak, making her jump.
Neil stepped inside, glancing behind him, before closing the door and leaning against it with a sigh.
“I do apologise for my lateness,” he remarked, lifting his eyebrows. “My dear cousin never leaves my side whenever he visits. He took quite some shaking off.”
“It’s quite all right. I… I’m sorry to send you a message in that way, it’s just that I really did want to talk to you.”
Neil pushed off from where he leaned against the door, crossing the library towards her. He stood a little closer than Patrina was expecting, his fragrance sweet and spicy at once. She blinked, chest tightening for a reason she did not understand.
“It’s about them, isn’t it?” Neil said softly, looking down into her face. “My aunt and my cousin.”
She bit her lip, glancing away. “I hate to complain about your family. I know they’re just concerned about you, and…”
“Not about me,” Neil interrupted, flashing a brittle smile. “About the inheritance, I think. Any children we have would take my cousin out of the line of succession, as I mentioned earlier. It would affect my aunt too. Clayton always counselled me strongly against marriage. He claimed to be disinterested about the inheritance, but of course I don’t believe him.” He sighed, passing a hand over his hair. His pallor was a little brighter than it had been, which gave Patrina a twinge of hope that she doubtless had no right to feel worried.
“I don’t mean to accuse them of anything,” Neil said, after a pause. “I suppose with the title of Marquess and the estate involved, it would be hardnotto think of anything else.”
Patrina nodded. “I understand. I don’t mean to complain, as I said, but I’m more sure than ever that they do not like me. Only this morning, your Aunt Thomasin trod on the hem of my gown deliberately. Iknowit was deliberate, and I simply can’t understand why she would do such a thing. She keeps me away from Emma and Cynthia, and Clayton keeps me away from you. I’ve been telling myself that it’s just my imagination, but I…”
“No, I don’t believe it is,” Neil interrupted. “No need to apologise, Patrina. I believe you. I know my aunt and cousin, and they can be a trifle jealous.”
Patrina glanced up at him, trying to read his expression. “I’m not suggesting you make them leave, you understand.”
“I know, I know. But I will speak to my mother, and to my Aunt Thomasin. Perhaps you and I can set aside time to spend together? If you’d like, of course.”
He added the last part a trifle hastily, glancing at her uncertainly. He’d suggested setting upappointmentsto spend time together just as lightly as if he were arranging a business meeting, and Patrina was not entirely sure how to react to that.
But he’d suggested it.He’dsuggested that they spend time together, and for some reason, that sent a shiver down Patrina’s spine.
I do want to spend time with him,she thought, a little surprised.I enjoy his company. I like him.
That was generally a good sign – liking one’s husband – and yet it filled Patrina with dismay.
This is not a marriage of love. My husband is not even expected to be alive in two years’ time.
What good could falling in love possibly do me?
She cleared her throat, suddenly aware that Neil was looking at her, waiting for a response.
