Page 76 of The Gentleman Was Right
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
She tipped her head back, focusing on the ceiling. “I was upset. My emotions were already tangled up in you, and when I heard Isabelle, everything came tumbling down.”
“If you overheard us, then you know why Isabelle was upset, and that I was able to lessen her burden.”
She swallowed. “You were perfect with her. You always to seem to know what I say.”
“Not always. I’ve bungled things with you more than once.”
“You really haven’t.”
“It sure feels as if I have.”
“That’s because I’m contrary. I don’t mean to be, but sometimes I cannot help it.” She glanced down at the puddle that had developed below her. “I want to continue this conversation, but I need to get out of this wet gown. What would you say if I suggested we adjourn to our bedchamber?”
“I’d say, lead the way.”
He followed her out of the room, but before they could enter their bedchamber, they were waylaid by Isabelle, who had been waiting at the top of the stairs.
“Basil is here,” she whisper-shouted.
Violet halted. “He followed me inside?”
“He sure did. Mrs. Swanson offered tea, but he declined. Said he couldn’t stay long. He’s standing in the entry waiting for—” She shrugged helplessly.
“I should tell him to go. That all is well.” She sighed. “That I absolve him of any wrongdoing.”
“I could tell him for you,” Isabelle said.
“He won’t listen. For some reason he’s got it in his head that Edward isn’t treating me kindly, and I think he needs to see for himself that I’m not being mistreated.”
“He what?” Edward and Isabelle said at the same time.
“You know he’s awful at listening. Once he gets something in his head, nothing I say will convince him otherwise, but if he sees us together, he might believe me.”
“Then we should all go,” Edward said firmly.
They traipsed down the steps together, and Basil’s head snapped up when he heard them enter the room.
“You ran away,” he accused.
“You gave my husband the burden of your lies,” Violet replied.
“I’m sorry.” He dropped his head. “I never get anything right with you.”
“You don’t need to. Not anymore.” She reached out and took Edward’s hand. “You say you want me to be happy, so let mebe happy.”
He glanced at their entwined fingers, and then moved his gaze to Edward. “Sorry about that morning. I was still a bit sore about being jilted, but I didn’t have to be an arse about it.”
“Apology accepted,” Edward responded. He seemed unable to hold a grudge, even when it was deserved.
Basil pointed over his shoulder. “I’ll just…eh…show myself out.” He backed away and then paused. “I truly am sorry for the lies I told you.”
She nodded, and they all watched him exit the house and pull the door closed behind him.
“I didn’t think he had it in him to apologize,” Isabelle said. “Since the excitement is over, I’m going to go to the kitchen to have a nibble.” She slipped into the hallway and disappeared from view.
“Come back upstairs with me?” Violet asked Edward.
