“It is also a cowardly thing to do,” Tristan replied without hesitation. “You can stand there convincing yourself that this is about practicality, that she has suddenly remembered she married you for logistics and nothing else, but you cannot fool me.”
“That is what it was.”
Tristan let out a quiet breath, almost amused. “You are a fool.”
Dorian’s gaze darkened. “Be careful.”
“No,” Tristan said, shaking his head once. “Youneed to be careful, because what you are doing is watching your wiferetreat from you and deciding it is noble to do the same, as if your dignity matters more than understanding what is actually happening in front of you.”
Dorian did not answer.
Tristan stepped back slightly, his tone softening again, though it was less teasing than before. “You can keep pretending this is simple if you want, but do not mistake avoidance for clarity.”
Dorian looked away toward the stables in the distance, where movement could just be seen between the buildings. His voice, when it came, was quieter than before.
“What would you have me do instead?”
Tristan gave a faint, knowing smile. “For once, stop acting like a man who is afraid of wanting something he already has.”
CHAPTER 14
Anne told herself she did not care that the lady who had seduced her husband was in her house. But she was telling herself a lie.
Lady Vivian’s presence at Ashford Hall was no longer occasional, as a few guests were staying with them for the week of the race. She arrived for dinners as if she did not need an invitation, always perfectly dressed, always perfectly composed, and always speaking as though she belonged exactly where she stood. And she always spoke to Dorian and not to Anne.
Anne noticed the pattern forming, whether she wanted to or not.
“I heard the northern investors are arriving early,” Lady Vivian had said lightly the night before, swirling the wine in her glass. “They do enjoy watching you under pressure, Your Grace.”
Dorian had glanced at her, his expression unreadable but not unfriendly. “Then I suppose I will have to disappoint them.”
Lady Vivian had given him a slow, knowing smile. “You rarely disappoint people. At least, you have never disappointed me.”
Across the table, Anne had kept her attention on her plate, entirely calm. But she couldfeelLady Vivian’s gaze linger on Dorian just a fraction too long, as though she were not speaking about investors at all.
Dorian had not corrected her. He had simply taken a sip of his drink and moved the conversation forward.
It should not have mattered, but it did.
Anne found herself walking back alone from the stables the day after. Tempest had finally settled after a difficult training session that had required more patience than usual.
He had been restless all afternoon, forcing her to remain longer than intended, and by the time she left the paddock, the sky had already begun to turn gray.
She adjusted her gloves as she walked, her thoughts still on Tempest’s stride, the minor correction needed in his left lead, the way he had responded better when she spoke quietly rather than issuing commands.
She thought of practical things,safethings.
She turned the corner to the west corridor without thinking, when voices carried from just ahead. She slowed downinstinctively, before stopping. She did not intend to listen. She told herself she should turn around immediately.
Then she heard talk about her. It was indirect, but there was no denying that she was the subject.
“Blackwood’s marriage still surprises me, I must admit. One would think a man like him would choose someone less complicated,” a male voice said, sounding amused.
“He rarely chooses the easier course.”
There was the clink of a glass being set down, but Anne did not move. Then Lady Vivian’s voice followed, unmistakable even before she fully processed the words.
“You are all speaking as though marriage has changed him,” she said lightly.
