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Chapter Fifteen
Rose sensed annoyancein him more than anything, as if he had several arguments and debates proceeding inside his head that would soon erupt.They’d taken the stairs together and entered her bedroom, but she didn’t feel any urgent burning passion between them.
“You didn’t say anything in the carriage on the way home,” Rose said.
“I didn’t say anything on the way there either.”He held his top hat but batted it against his leg.
Could Rose distinguish between anger and disappointment in her husband?She’d been watching him all evening.Nothing gave him away.He was as polite, as bored, as aristocratic as the two dukes, four marquesses and six earls who graced the fabulous mansion.Or three dukes but for a matter of immorality and fate.
Eunice was asleep in a chair, waiting for her, and she mumbled a few words before Rose dismissed her.“I’ll be fine,” she said quietly, then Eunice slipped away.
Rose strolled toward her bureau and removed her earrings, waiting for him to answer.Matthew faced her and watched as she removed the Isis Diamonds and placed them in a velvet-lined case.She removed her turban and feathers along with a few hairpins, then ran her fingers through her mussed hair.He reached for a strand and wrapped it around his finger.
“We’ve barely spoken in the last week.Why does it surprise you I was a bit reflective?”
“About the ball or about our argument?”she asked.
“Let’s assume it is about the ball.”
“It didn’t meet your expectations?”
“If you are happy with how the Crestview Ball went, then I am happy.Please, Rose, I know you are thinking of nothing but the success of the gala tomorrow night.We can bathe in our success after it is all over, including the unparalleled privilege of being invited to the Crestview Ball.”
“Everyone was curious about you.Not dismissive.”
He laughed.“Curious, were they?I felt as if I were on display at the British Museum.”He waved his hand, demonstrating his disdain.“On the left we have the only example of primitive man known in London.”
Rose chuckled.“Lady Tyrone was assessing you.Rather improperly, I thought.”
“The ball was what I expected.Even Lady Tyrone.But as it turns out, I am not the man I believed.I’m tired, Mrs.Hardy.I would like to be abed.And I would like you to be abed as well.There is nothing that can be completed tonight that can’t be done in the morning.And you need your rest.”
“A hostess never sleeps until the ball is over.Do not worry about me, Matthew.”She rubbed the side of her stomach.Time was passing quickly and tonight on the dance floor, when she needed to catch her breath, she was reminded she was nearing four months.
“I want to announce your condition tomorrow night, through Lady Chester.Is that still acceptable to you?”he asked.
“Yes, of course.It needs to be done soon.Abigail will be both discreet and enthusiastic.Her whispers hold power!All London will know by the next evening.”
