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Violet chuckled. “You never did like bringing your wife to town with you.”
“Well, things will be different going forward.”
Violet put a hand on the bed, as if bracing for the impact of his words.
“You will vacate this house by the end of the month. From this moment forward, our relationship will be severed. I will give the staff an additional month’s wages for the inconvenience.”
“And what about my inconvenience?”
Owen frowned. How could she be inconvenienced? The lady had been living like a queen with no expenses for lord knows how long. It didn’t escape his notice that the wardrobe door was open, overflowing with expensive gowns and there were several pieces of jewelry on the dressing table. Evidently she had been compensated well for her services. He knew women like Violet were beholden to their lovers for a livelihood, but Owen could not fund her lifestyle any longer. He wanted a new life with Selena, not this old life.
“What do you want?” He crossed his arms. Owen’s tone held a slight menace which caught him off guard. This was a new side to him, or perhaps just his old former self coming out.
Violet hesitated a moment. She must have heard the change in his voice as well. “I will have to find a new place to live, and that could take time.”
“You have to the end of the month to find a new residence. You may keep whatever I have gifted you and do with it as you please. I have already spoken to my solicitor, and he will take care of everything.”
“So you are just going to throw me out on the streets? That’s harsh, even for you, Owen.” She rushed over to him. “Don’t you remember anything?”
He shook his head.
“We used to stay in this room for hours. You would tell me all the gossip from the clubs or complain about your useless wife. You told me how I was everything you could want in a woman.” Violet leaned into him. “We would fuck for hours. You were insatiable.” She licked her lips.
Owen refused to take the bait. “I have made up my mind. We will not be resuming our relationship. That is my final word.” Owen stepped back and went to the door. “This is the last time we will see each other.”
Just at that moment, the door swung open. “Hello, my darling…” An impeccably dressed young man, probably in his early twenties, entered.
Owen peered at Violet, who turned a shade of red. Owen shrugged. What did it matter? If she had found another benefactor, it was all for the better. She might not put up a fight when it was time to leave. “It appears you have found a convenient replacement for me.”
Violet opened her mouth to speak, but Owen put up his hand to silence her. “Just be out by the end of the month.” With that said, he nodded to the gentleman, then hurried out of the house. He ordered the coachman to take him home. As he rode through the city, Owen laughed. It was rather comical. If he had been a few minutes later, he might have interrupted their tryst. The woman with whom he had been cheating on his wife was now cheating on him. At least he could put the entire ordeal behind him. Now, it was time to focus more of his attention on Selena and earning her trust and love.
When he arrived home, Rhoads told him that the Hughes were in the drawing room with Lady Fernsby. Owen entered to see the trio chatting.
“I thought you weren’t coming until tomorrow,” he said as he greeted his friends.
“I received a message from my warehouse about an issue, so we came today. I hope you don’t mind.” Bran shook his hand.
“Not at all. Will you stay for dinner?” For some reason, Owen wanted the company. He wasn’t ready to discuss the afternoon with Selena. Guests would be the perfect distraction.
“Your lovely wife has already extended an invitation, and we’ve accepted.”
Owen went over to Selena, who rose to kiss him on the cheek. “How was your afternoon?”
“Eventful.” He returned her kiss. She smelled sweet, some type of flower. I must ask her what that scent is. “I will tell you about it later.”
The couples settled in until dinner was announced. During the meal, they went over places they wanted to show Owen. He felt giddy, like a child being given a treat at last. He wanted to speak to Bran in private about going to the clubs. Tom had been invaluable in preparing the list of his usual haunts.
Finally, the friends retired to the drawing room. Bran stopped him from entering. “By the way, I think I may have come up with a solution to that problem of yours with Selena. Can we speak privately?”
“Of course. Rhoads”—he summed the butler—“please tell her ladyship and Mrs. Hughes we will be with them shortly.”
“Yes, your lordship.”
The men walked to the end of the hall, into the library. Owen closed the door, then poured them each a brandy.
Bran thanked him. “I know it may be unconventional, but I thought of a way for you to brush up on your seduction skills.” He sipped the amber liquid as he wagged his eyebrows.
“Well?” Owen was about to burst.
