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She began hunting around on the floor for her slippers, which had been kicked off at some point. One slipper was under the bed, and she pulled it on, hobbling around in search of the other.

“You say that, and yet…” he murmured, smiling wryly to himself.

She located the other slipper and readjusted her robe around her shoulders. He’d expected her to leave immediately, but she came to stand beside him, glaring up at him until he finally glanced down at her.

“I want to revisit the terms of our marriage,” she said.

“No,” he responded shortly.

She clenched her jaw. “I want a proper marriage. I want you to touch me, talk to me, and spend time with me. I want us to share a bed sometimes. I want us to visit London together. I want aconnection, Edward, and I’m sure that deep down, you feel the same.”

He averted his gaze. “Oh, you’re sure of it, aren’t you? I admire your confidence.”

She sighed, some of her anger fading away. “Think about it, won’t you? Good night, husband.”

Without waiting for a reply, she left the room, closing the door softly behind her.

Once she was gone, Edward allowed himself to sag forward, resting his forehead against the mantelpiece. The fire was dying down.

Edward, you’re a fool of the highest order.

Legal issues, indeed.

CHAPTER 18

Daphne had slept poorly. Was it any wonder? She could still remember the moment her stomach dropped, the pleasure from their earlier encounter vanishing entirely.

“You can go now.”

That was what he’d said, in the most off-hand, careless way imaginable. As if none of it mattered. As ifshedidn’t matter.

As Daphne dressed for the day, she tried to swallow down the pain. Because itwaspain, something she realized with a jolt of misery.

Perhaps I care about him a little more than I originally intended. Perhaps I want himto care about me.

Bother.

She could already see how this was going to be a problem.

A movement outside the window caught her eye, and she peered out to see none other than Edward himself striding briskly across the lawn.

“It’s Joan, isn’t it?” she asked, directing her question to the maid helping her dress.

The girl beamed. “Yes, Your Grace.”

“Well, Joan, would you mind doing me a favor? Might you go down to the stables and let them know that I’ll be going out for a ride later?”

“Of course, Your Grace.” Joan hesitated, glancing out the window. She hid a small smile. “Will His Grace be going with you?”

Daphne bit the inside of her cheek. “I don’t know yet.”

She found Edward shortly after that. He was walking down a narrow path, weaving between two high hedges. His arms were tucked behind his back, and he was frowning, lost in thought. He was looking at nothing in particular.

She had to hurry to catch up with him.

“Edward, wait!”

He turned, and she had the satisfaction of seeing genuine surprise on his face.