Page 92

She was radiant as ever, and with her chestnut-brown hair fanned over the pillows, she looked like an angel.

William was torn between joining her in the bed and returning to his study. He wanted so badly to join her and enjoy the warmth of her body. However, he knew that if he did, he would have to resign himself and her to a lifetime of hurt and pain.

Therefore, he turned around and left for his study.

It was certainly a difficult decision, but a necessary one nonetheless.

While staying away from her was hard, William knew that what he had to do the following day would be harder.

CHAPTER 23

The moment Eveline woke up, she reached behind her for her husband, only to find an empty space.

She felt a dull pain in her chest, and she made to turn just to confirm what she already knew. She felt pain spread through her body, this time from her injured ankle.

It was then that the events of the previous day came rushing back.

She remembered how she had, rather unfortunately, fallen off her horse and twisted her ankle. She also remembered quite vividly her husband’s irrational reaction.

And after the physician had left, he had not bothered to check up on her, not even once. And even worse, he had refused to spend the night in their bed.

Eveline was confused, and at that moment, she decided to get the needed answers.

She lifted her leg off the pillow and moved gingerly to the side of the bed. It was now time for the morning meal, and if she knew her husband well enough, she was certain he would be in the drawing room, breaking his fast.

Eveline summoned Gracie with the bell pull, and after a moment, the maid entered the room.

“Your Grace, you are awake,” Gracie said.

“Indeed, I am,” Eveline responded. “I shall be going down to the drawing room for an early breakfast.”

“But, Your Grace, your foot,” Gracie reminded her, concerned. “Your breakfast can be sent up here so you do not hurt your foot even more.”

Eveline shook her head. “The physician assured me that I can begin to walk around from today. Do not worry, Gracie.”

Soon enough, she was dressed with the help of her lady’s maid, and she leaned on the girl’s arm as she made her way down to the drawing room.

As she had predicted, her husband was there, wolfing down his breakfast. He glanced up from his food when she entered the room, and he rose to his feet.

“Eveline,” he greeted.

For a moment, he seemed rather apologetic, but the look in his eyes disappeared just as quickly as it appeared.

“Should you not be resting your injured ankle, Eveline?” he asked.

“The physician advised that I begin walking around from today,” she responded.

“And is it quite safe?” He still looked worried.

“I suppose I would believe the physician over you on what is safe and what is not,” Eveline retorted, rather scathingly.

She was still quite salty over the fact that her husband, who had been thrown into a state of panic the previous day when she had only twisted her ankle, had not only neglected to check on her but had also been able to have breakfast without seeing her first.

William, however, did not seem to have noticed her foul mood. Or if he had, he did not seem quite bothered.

Gracie helped her to a seat, and breakfast was soon set in front of her.

Eveline tucked into her food, and yet she could not help but be saddened by her husband’s demeanor. They were eatingbreakfast in silence, and he had not cared enough to spare her a glance ever since she sat down.