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She nodded and turned. As he drew side by side to her again, Emily pulled away slightly, keeping distance between them.
After that day, Emily never looked at him the same way. For over a year, he could tell that whenever she saw him, she relived that moment. To her, no doubt, he’d been terrifying, wild even. He didn’t regret his actions, but after that day, he knew, without a doubt, that he was not the type of man who could make her happy. His intense nature had saved them, but it had also ended their easy acquaintance.
He never did offer for her.
* * *
Dinah walked into the sitting room, that beautiful smile on her lips.
Emily had once encouraged his attentions, much as Dinah was now. But once Emily had gotten to know him—truly know him—that had all ended. How long would it take before Dinah turned away as well?
“This is a lovely idea,” Dinah said, taking the settee across from him.
Henry sat up straight, once more feeling the chair beneath him. “It’s nothing, really.”
“I’m glad you thought to invite me, all the same.”
They fell into comfortable conversation. They spoke about the letters she’d received recently and her family’s health; they spoke about estate business and which of the many invitations they ought to accept. Their conversation was eerily reminiscent of the one he and Emily had been having just before the mad dog had appeared. Though he knew no crazed animal was going to charge into the sitting room, his stomach still sent icy warnings through him all the same. He could not let his guard down. Not here. Not with Dinah. Other men were suited to easy relationships and comfortable marriages. But not him. Things may seem fine between him and Dinah for the time being, but once she truly came to see what he was capable of, it would end. She would look at him with fear, or annoyance, or even disinterest. Whatever it was, the result would be the same.
Henry picked up a mug of coffee—he might as well enjoy her smiles while he could.
They likely wouldn’t last long.
