“Isabella.”
“Please.” She started up the stairs without looking at him.
* * *
Thoughts piledup too quickly in Isabella’s mind for her to keep up with them.
Anthony had meant to protect her, but at the same time, he could have spared her a lot of misery by talking to her. On the other hand, she hadn’t mentioned Patrick either.
Speaking of the devil. She came to a stop on the veranda where Patrick was talking with the Dowager. The stunning blonde woman at his side had to be Lady Sophia. Her pristine blue dress matched her large eyes, and with her slender, elegant figure, she looked like a princess out of a fairy tale. Patrick was the perfect Prince Charming next to her.
Isabella patted her hair; it had to be a disaster between sweat and salty water. Her gown wasn’t faring better with wrinkles and grass blades. Instead of proceeding to the veranda, she took the side path and headed for the French window. She met Lawson along the way to her bedroom.
Lawson gave her an alarmed look. “Lord Patrick is here.”
She tugged at her gown. “I know.”
“Do you need help to change, madam?”
“I do.” And to hide.
“He wasn’t supposed to be here,” Lawson said once they were in the bedroom.
“Anthony ordered him to come. He knows.”
Lawson paused with the comb in her hand. “Since when?”
“Since it happened. He didn’t tell me anything.”
“That’s…good, isn’t it?” Lawson brushed Isabella’s hair.
“I guess so. I’m not sure. I think he should have told me.”
“Maybe His Grace didn’t want to upset you.”
“But what’s the point of inviting Patrick here then?”
Lawson worked in silence to make her presentable again.
Was she overreacting? After all, Anthony had been kind to her, even though he’d known the truth all along. But she was emotionally drained and physically tired of worrying.
He had forgiven her. Maybe he hadn’t forgiven Patrick.
Maybe she had to talk with both of them.
* * *
During the past difficult months,Anthony went through different emotions regarding his brother.
At first, he’d been furious. Then his worry for Isabella had taken over his mind, and then he’d found a sort of peace or acceptance.
Isabella was healthy again, they were happy together, and the past was the past. But the moment he found himself face-to-face with Patrick, who showed off his usual nonchalant attitude, something ugly stirred in his chest.
He forced a smile, bowing to Lady Sophia. She had none of her father’s harsh lines and unforgiving gaze. Tall and blonde, she had a soft face and a sweet voice. He wasn’t fool enough to let her looks deceive him. The von Gruners were proud and cunning.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
She bowed her head, her golden curls bouncing over her cheeks. “Patrick told me everything about you.” Her gaze swept swiftly over the scar in a calculating way as if she were assessing his weakness.
