Page 68

“So that’s it, then. You came here to toast your impending nuptials?” David bit the inside of his cheek. Saying the word ‘nuptials’ felt like sand on his tongue.

Jenny refused to look him in the eyes. Instead, she brushed past him towards the fireplace. She turned to face him and leaned on the back of the sofa.

“You know, I’ve had a lot of time to think in these past few weeks.”

David sighed. She was settling in, there was no way he’d get her to leave now. She stood there, staring at him, waiting for him to… what?

What is it that she wants? Why did she come here, and this night of all nights?

He rolled up his sleeves, and her eyes tracked his every movement. The longer she stood there staring at him, the more dangerous the situation would become for both him and her… and her virginity.

David cursed himself inwardly. He should not be thinking of her like that. She had someone else. Someone who could give her the life she deserved. His fists balled at his sides.

“What are you thinking just now?”

David shook his head. “Hmm?”

Jenny stood up straight. “Just now. You were staring at me?—”

“I was not staring.”

Jenny rolled her eyes. “You were staring at me, and your body stiffened. It’s like you went somewhere else. Somewhere dangerous.” Her eyes sparkled with interest.

David forced his hands to uncurl. “I was thinking that it is late, that I am tired, and that I am in no mood for celebration.” He walked past her and pointed to the study door. “I must ask you to leave. I can call a carriage to take you home.”

Jenny stood unmoving, looking down at the water glass in her hand. “As I was saying before you took your mental trip, I’ve had a lot of time to think over these past few weeks. I think I have you figured out.”

David laughed and folded his arms across his chest. “Oh, really? This should be interesting. And what have you figured out?”

She took another sip of water, still refusing to turn towards him. She swirled the water in the glass, purposefully drawing out the moment.

The tension was getting to him. Would the blasted woman ever speak? Oh God, is this what she felt like all the times he withheld easy conversation?

She finally turned towards him. “You are not him.”

He furrowed his brow in confusion. “I am not who? Dovegrove?”

Jenny scrunched up her nose and waved him off. “No, not him.” Frustration and annoyance laced her words.

David bristled at her tone. If anyone was being annoying and frustrating, it was her and not him.

“You are not the brigand who killed your sister.”

Jenny watched the color drain from David’s face.

“What did you say to me?” His voice was low and even, but it did not disguise the storm building behind his eyes.

Jenny took a step forward, driven by defiance and stubbornness. “I did not stutter. I said you are not the brigand who killed?—”

“Enough!” David thundered, his voice echoing through the room. “Get out.” He pointed to the door.

Jenny noticed a slight tremor in his outstretched arm. But she remained calm. After weeks of her emotions being pulled in different directions, the feeling of control slipped over her like a silk glove. She had prepared for a fight, and she was not leaving until they had an honest conversation about their arrangement.

“No.”

David sputtered. “What?”

She looked him in the eyes. “Your Grace, I’m becoming concerned with your hearing. I said no.”