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Theodore felt his brow quirk in shock, his plan to reconcile at dinner unraveling suddenly. “They received a dinner invitation?” He heard himself blurt.

“Yes, My Lord.”

“And why was I not informed of any of this?” He struggled to understand why Quentin hadn’t shared the invitation with him earlier.

“Her ladyship said there was no need to disturb you, My Lord,” Quentin gave a slight shrug, his demeanor suggesting this was a simple matter of fact. If Theodore did not know the man better, he would say he was supporting Agnes and punishing him.

“Not to disturb me?” Theodore echoed, his voice rising slightly in incredulity. “Since when was family dinner considered a disturbance?” he added, his disbelief growing with each passing moment.You said she was not family earlier,his mind’s voice reminded him, but he squelched it.

Quentin did not respond to this; instead, he maintained his impassive demeanor. “Shall we serve your dinner now, My Lord?”

For some strange reason, this question only sent Theodore’s irritation soaring. To dine alone tonight, while his wife and sisters were elsewhere, seemed an unwelcome prospect.

“You shall not,” Theodore responded curtly as he headed for the door, his mind made up.

He had a horse readied for him outside and swiftly mounted it. Riding out into the woods, he allowed the cool evening breeze to wash over him, hoping it would soothe his racing mind and calm his frayed nerves.

CHAPTER 32

“Oh, such talent!” Lady Leighton exclaimed in delight as Harriet played the pianoforte after dinner. Agnes had introduced her to the ladies, and they’d had a most pleasant meal.

Not to mention a much-needed distraction for all of us,Agnes thought to herself. She was glad she accepted Lady Leighton’s invitation and brought the girls with her.

“Where have you been hiding and keeping such a young talent all to yourself, Agnes dear?” Lady Leighton turned to her, her eyes twinkling with amusement and genuine curiosity.

“Well, wherever it was, now I’ve decided to share her with you,” Agnes quipped in turn, eliciting laughter from the Countess and Leslie, who sat in silence hitherto as she watched her sister play.

“Do you also play, my dear?” Lady Leighton turned to Leslie, her interest apparent.

“I prefer string instruments,” Leslie responded, her voice gentle yet clear. “I am still learning, but I do have a way with the violin already,” she added modestly, her cheeks coloring slightly.

“Why, a musical family it is!” The Countess declared with a chuckle. “I’m sure there is never a moment lacking in entertainment in your household, Lady Gillingham.”

Agnes smiled in response as a footman poured more sherry into her glass, her heart slightly lighter from the evening’s jovial atmosphere and the comforting presence of friendly company.

She did not desire the drink so much as she needed something to keep her hands occupied and her mind further distracted. Despite the pleasant company and the lively melodies that filled the room, the emptiness Agnes carried within her remained. Nothing sufficed to fill it; this was a void not so easily mended, she realized.

The events of the afternoon had starkly reminded her of a fact she’d cast aside in hopes for more. Theodore was not truly her husband. He’d never been. And he perhaps never would be.

Just as the final notes of Harriet’s melody lingered in the air, creating a brief, poignant silence, the Leighton butler walked in. “The Marquess of Gillingham,” he announced.

Agnes spied Harriet and Leslie exchanging a quick, concerned glance—an unspoken conversation passing between them. Her own heart skipped in her chest and apprehension gripped her.

Lady Leighton, who was oblivious to the tension, clapped her hands in delight as she urged her butler to usher in the guest.

Agnes, however, was not as keen about Theodore. In fact, she felt very much conflicted right now as a part of her desperately yearned to see him, while the other desired to keep as far away from him as possible. The emotions churned inside her, pulling her in two directions simultaneously.

He walked into the room, his presence taking over everything. Agnes sucked in her breath and resisted the urge to look away from him—so as not to betray any weakness. Smiling at Lady Leighton, he took the hand she offered.

“Have you seen my darling wife, My Lady? I cannot seem to find her anywhere,” Theodore asked with an air of easy charm as he dropped a kiss onto the Countess’s knuckles. His demeanor was light, but his eyes scanned the room with an intensity that belied his insouciant tone.

“Oh, I am afraid I might have stolen this darling wife of yours for the evening, Lord Gillingham,” Lady Leighton played along, her voice lilting with amusement. “She is most pleasant company, one simply cannot resist!”

Leslie let out a little chuckle at this display, appreciating the humor in Lady Leighton’s words. Harriet, however, appeared almost as wary as Agnes, her smile tight and her eyes darting between her brother and sister-in-law.

“But since you ask so nicely, I am willing to share her with you while she is here,” the Countess pointed in Agnes’s direction now, her gesture grand and inclusive.

“How magnanimous of you, My Lady,” Theodore said, his voice dripping with ostensible gratitude as he started in Agnes’s direction, his steps measured and purposeful, his gaze holding her intently.