Page 102 of A Bride for the Forbidden Duke
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Well, are you not the most joyful face in theton!” Thomas said cheerfully, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
Coolly, Henry flicked his gaze to him, saying nothing. He lifted his glass to his lips and drank. Before him, his guests—Veronica’s guests—enjoyed themselves. Westley Manor had likely not seen so many people in a long time.
Thomas settled in beside him, smiling. “Are you going to tell me what is on your mind? You have lurked in this corner all evening looking sour, like somebody put pickle juice in your wine.”
Henry said nothing.
His mind was a mess of Veronica. His Duchess. His wife. The woman he would never, ever be enough for.
The thought of her leaving him tonight was unbearable, yet how could he ever ask her to stay? How could he let her damn herself? It was better to have her think he wanted her to leave. She would be hurt, yes, but better to temporarily feel that pain than forever be shackled to him.
After all, our marriage was only a convenient one.
Of course. Why else would she choose to stay with him?
“Henry, if you are going to continue ignoring me, then I shall perhaps ask Miss Evelina Stapleton for a dance, for she is looking rather troubled and alone.” He sighed. “Or I can stay here and badger you until you finally admit that your mind is unsettled with thoughts of Veronica.”
Henry started, sipping his drink still.
“I am right, am I not?” Thomas asked.
Henry did not answer but that clearly signified that the answer wasyes.
The ball continued without them. Veronica had fled right after their dance, and Henry could not bring himself to go after her. What would he say?
Do not go, but I cannot let you stay, either.
“Henry, I have known you for many years now,” Thomas said, his voice growing much gentler. “I have seen you angry, and I have seen you… reluctantly happy. You tolerate me; you tolerate your aunt and your cousin. But you do not tolerate Veronica. Youwanther. You are happy around her, and you—you come alive. She might be the only person in this world who you do not refuse the company of.” He glanced sideways at Henry. “Does that not tell you anything?”
Henry remained stubborn in his icy silence.
“Whatever problems you are having, Henry, do not let it get in the way of your happiness.”
Henry finally looked back at him, and Thomas rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes, I know. Nobody understands you. But there is one person who has tried her best, and you just let her flee this ballroom close to tears. Heaven knows that if a woman comes back time and time again to try to understand you, then she is worth chasing after. Do not let a lady such as her go so easily, Henry.”
His words sank into Henry, and he thought for a moment. But he still could not entirely convince himself to go after Veronica. She had asked him to respect her wishes, had she not? She herself had said she would return to London. He had not asked that of her.
“Perhaps a lady should not let herself walk away so easily,” he answered stubbornly, hating the way his own bitterness tasted as he lied to protect his own miserable heart.
“I am exhausted by your stubborn pride.” Thomas shook his head. Then he pointed his glass in the direction of where Lady Sheridan was approaching.
“Lady Sheridan, come and speak with this nephew of yours. He will not listen to me.”
The look Lady Sheridan gave him was truly scathing as she scowled at him. “Henry, you are a foolish man if you think you shall let that lovely woman run so easily from your arms.”
“Lady Sheridan?—”
“I am your aunt in this moment, Henry,” she warned. “And as your family, I am telling you to stop being a fool.”
His eyes blazed with warning. “Tread carefully, Aunt. This is not your concern.”
But Lady Sheridan met his gaze, unflinching. “Oh, but it is. As your aunt and as someone who’s watched you throw away happiness, it absolutely is my concern.”
“She asked to leave,” he ground out, his voice low and forceful. “For weeks now, she’s been avoiding me. That’sherchoice.”
“And you? What have you been doing?” Lady Sheridan shot back. “Skulking? Avoiding her at all costs, as you did at the start of your marriage?”
