Page 77 of To Tempt a Scandalous Lord
Whilst it’s unclear what precipitated the argument, whispers have floated that the viscount insulted Inverray’s new bride, and the marquess waged a fierce defense of her honor.
Whether the rumors are true or not, a split between the two men would be disappointing, but no more so than dishonoring a marchioness of impeccable reputation.
If the normally dignified Inverray truly mounted a public defense of his lady wife’s honor, well, he’s won the support of this writer.
“Lud, Flora, do you know what happened?” Alicia whispered hoarsely, rereading the words as if they would make more sense the longer she stared at them.
“I have written to Juliana for more information, but have yet to receive a reply.”
Whipping her head about, she stared at Flora with her heart in her throat. “I don’t understand why Niall would defend me so publicly after sending me away as if I was a problem he couldn’t be bothered with.”
Snapping her jaw shut, Alicia pressed her face into Bluebonnet’s side. Unshed tears burned the back of her eyes, and her shoulders shuddered as she grappled for breath. She had not meant to discuss her husband, yet confessing the awful truth had been like stripping the wrappings from a wound and exposing it to the light.
It made the lump in her throat a bit easier to breathe around, even if thinking of that terrible night tested the lock she had placed on her memories. On her heartbreak.
They didn’t speak for several minutes, and it allowed Alicia to regain her balance. She fixed her gaze on foals frolicking in a distant pasture, allowing their playful antics to tease a smile onto her lips. How she wished her own life could be so easy. So effortless.
“No matter what happened, Niall would not challenge Matthews if the viscount didn’t deserve it. Do you doubt Matthews capable of such heinous behavior?”
Pressing her lips together, she looked away.
“So what are you going to do?” Flora’s voice was gentle.
Alicia turned, her boots kicking up dust to cloud around her. “I don’t know. If this is true,” she said, holding up the newspaper, “I’m thankful for his defense, but it doesn’t solve all our other issues.”
Flora lifted a shoulder. “Maybe not. But perhaps this is just the first step.”
“Perhaps.” Alicia sighed. “I just wish we could do ittogether. That he’d trust me enough to—” But then that was the problem, wasn’t it? She had broken their trust first. That truth was an ever-present ache in her chest.
Niall had been so offended when she’d used that word before. But Alicia understood his anger a bit better now, and he had a right to that anger. Her throat tightened when she realized that she had only ever valued that word,together, if it meant he was open with her, shared his life with her, but never the reverse. She understood the difference now.
Alicia wanted to help fix the mess she’d made, longed to show him how sorry she was for not trusting him more, but she couldn’t do that locked away at Amstead Gardens.
Her sister by marriage rocked back on her heels. “Charlotte’s last letter said he’s been holed up at Campbell House, but she was vague as to why. I wish I could tell you what he’s planning. I wish I could put your fears at ease. The only thing I dare to ask is for you to extend a smidge of patience for him.”
“Would you be patient with Amstead,” Alicia approached Flora at the fence, “if he sent you away like you were a tiresome problemhehad no patience to deal with?”
Flora dug the toe of her boot into the soft dirt. When she finally looked up, Alicia read her answer in her green eyes.
“I’m going to go for a walk,” Alicia mumbled, rubbing Bluebonnet along her head one last time. “I’ll return for dinner.”
Not waiting for Flora to respond, she quietly exited the paddock and walked away. Her steps were quick, as though if she walked fast enough, she could outrun all her troubles.
Alicia wandered aimlessly, over paths lined with wildflowers, ducking under white pasture fences, and dipping her fingers in placid pond waters. She willed the sun on her skin, the breeze in her hair, the scent of honeysuckle on her tongue to carry away her thoughts of Niall and the sham of their failed marriage.
Only when the sun began to dip toward the horizon in the western sky did Alicia turn her steps back to Amstead Gardens. Exhaustion, both emotional and physical, pressed on her shoulders, and she longed for her bed. So distracted was she with her sluggish thoughts, she didn’t notice the carriage parked under the portico until the outriders’ respectful bows brought her back to the moment.
A familiar blond man bustled up to the conveyance.
“Murray?” she said, blinking rapidly at Niall’s secretary.
His blue eyes widened at the sight of her. “Your ladyship, it’s a pleasure to see you.”
“What are you doing here?” Alicia darted her gaze about, her heart thundering in her ears. “Where is Lord Inverray?”
Something in the man’s expression softened. “I believe the marquess is inside with Lord and Lady Amstead.”
“Of course,” she murmured, running trembling hands down her dusty skirts.
