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“I suppose,” Penelope replied, seeming not interested. “I am glad you married my brother. Perhaps it will help him.”

The statement made Siobhan stop. “Help him?”

Penelope’s face brightened. “Corrine is here!” She turned toward the house.

“Help him with what?” Siobhan insisted.

The young lass pressed her lips together as she considered her reply. “To not be so boring.” With that, she shoved the basket into Siobhan’s hands and hurried away.

At suppertime, again Miles was absent. Siobhan refrained from asking about him this time as she expected to receive the same reply. Hopefully he would come to see her in her bedchamber. She had so many questions.

“Dear?” Her mother-in-law brought her out of her musings. “Is something wrong with the food?”

Siobhan realized she held her morsel in the air away from the plate and not quite to her mouth.

“No, not at all. I was deep in thought. I’m just wondering what my role will be, here. And, if we are to remain here.”

The duke and duchess exchanged looks. The duke spoke, his West Indies accent as rich as his deep voice. “It will be up to you and my son as to where you decide to live.”

The duchess added, “I believe the townhouse to be a good place for a bachelor. Without a large garden and such, you would be kept indoors most of the day. Here, there are plenty of rooms, gardens, and a forest to ride in and explore. There is also a pond not too far, a perfect place for picnics.”

Siobhan took what they said into consideration. “It is beautiful here.”

Evening came and Leena left the bedchamber after wishing her a good night. Siobhan paced the floor, anxious to see Miles. When after a long while he didn’t appear, she decided to seek him out. Preferring his own company was one thing, but leaving her alone for an entire day right after their wedding seemed ridiculous.

Opening the door slowly, she felt like a thief when peering out into the silent house. She tip-toed to the same room she’d gone to before and didn’t bother knocking. Thankfully, the door didn’t creak when she pushed it open just enough to slip in.

Miles stood leaning against the window looking down into the dark garden. One hand up to his forehead, the other on the window’s frame.

“Miles,” Siobhan said in a soft but firm tone. “Why have you stayed away all day?” She walked closer. There wasn’t even a candle to light the room; the only soft brightness came from moonlight.

“No.” He whirled to face her, his face shadowed. “Leave at once.” His menacing tone made her angrier.

“I will not until you talk to me.” Siobhan straightened her spine. “Answer me.”

Miles moved so fast that before she knew it, he’d grasped her arm and walked her back to the door. “Do not ever come here until invited. Never.”

In vain, she tried to see his face. “Why are you acting this way?”

He inhaled deeply, and she waited for a reply. Instead, he opened the door and shoved her out. The clicking of the latch seemed to echo in the silence as she stood there in shock.

Who had she married?

Chapter Thirteen

“What day is it?” Miles asked his valet. Finally the pain had receded after what he thought was a day or two.

“Saturday, my lord,” Reynold replied. “You have been cloistered since your wedding.”

An entire week.

His breath caught. “And Siobhan? Has she been well?”

“Yes, my lord. The lady has gone for a ride with your mother and sister, she’s been to visit her family, and has spent many an hour in the garden.”

He met the man’s gaze in the mirror. “I should have known the short one was only a prelude of what was to come. I’ve left my bride on her own since our wedding. I am sure she is not impressed with the husband she’s been allotted.”

The valet remained silent, brushing the shoulders and back of his surcoat. Finally the man spoke. “If I may suggest my lord, perhaps time alone with your wife may be in order.”