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Selina sighed and looked away. “I should let you think so. You deserve no less. But no, Georgiana is awake and recovering asexpected. She also feels betrayed because, once again, you have deserted her.”

Robert became so overwhelmed by a flurry of emotions—relief, happiness, guilt, regret, sadness, joy—that he was rendered speechless.

“Well? Have you nothing to say?”

“Did she send you to me?”

She snorted. “What do you think?”

He slowly shook his head. “She would not. Her pride would not let her, even if she wanted to.”

“Well, at least you know her a little.”

“I know her well.”

“Then why did you leave?”

He turned away. “That is none of your business.”

“You think Lady Angela would have approved of your behavior? Taking responsibility for what happened to Georgiana, blaming yourself for it…are you God?”

“Do not speak her name,” he snapped.

“Why not? You use her as a shield, so you do not have to face things that make you uncomfortable. Are we to speak of why you are not in London without mentioning her?”

“Do not speak as if you know me!”

“Am I wrong?”

He looked up and met her challenging eyes, but had to look away because he knew Selina was right. However, he was too stubborn to admit it and refused to answer her.

“I came here to tell you that your wife needs you. But only return to London if you intend to stay. You cannot continue to jerk her around on a string like a marionette.”

“I am doing no such thing,” he protested.

She huffed, shaking her head. “Whatever you say, Your Grace.” She turned to walk away.

“You are welcome to stay for tea,” he called.

She shook her head without turning around. “Thank you, but I have already arranged my own accommodations, Your Grace.”

Robert watched her leave. The dowager countess was clearly very unhappy with him. He stared into the distance long after her carriage had disappeared through the gates.

His stomach churned with guilt as he pictured Georgiana waking up and realizing that he had left instead of staying by her bedside.

He thought about how hurt he would have been if it had happened to him.

“I should probably go back to London,” he said to himself.

“Yes, darling. You should.”

He turned to see his grandmother standing at the door and frowned. “How long have you been there?”

“Long enough. I wondered why our visitor would skirt the front door to come and find you here. You have been worrying me lately and I now know the reason behind your odd behavior.”

“You do?”

“Yes.” She looked at him sadly. “Just because you like to carry everything on your shoulders does not mean I do not detect the weight of your burden, Robert.”