Page 42 of The Marquess's Scandalous Game
Easton raised his glass and took another sip before he replied. “I understand why you would be angry. No man wants a wayward wife.”
“I am the head of the household, and as such, I do have expectations. It was not a situation where I laid down the rules and Emma was just expected to comply. I explained the risks and how devastating it would be if she came to harm. Surely, I am not expecting too much when I ask for obedience?” Leopold reasoned.
“You are not, Adlington. It is highly inappropriate for a wife to challenge her husband’s authority or to be too independent, particularly in these circumstances. No good will come of it,” Easton announced.
Leopold tapped his finger against his glass. “Now that you have mentioned it, I am of the view that my wife finds married life quite rigid. She feels stifled and restricted when she cannot partake in something that gives her such satisfaction.”
Easton scoffed. “Surely, she knows this is the way of it. She has been raised to take her place in society, and once wed, she knows she cannot have the same freedom.”
Leopold shook his head in frustration. “Perhaps I am to blame. When we met, she told me she did not wish to wed.”
Easton’s head jerked up. “You jest, Adlington.”
Leopold sighed heavily. “I am afraid not, Easton. My wife was being candid. I am certain it was not a performance. She declared it in a conversation not meant to be overheard.”
“I see,” Easton replied.
But Leopold was not convinced Easton did. After contemplation, Easton said, “Lady Adlington has a different ideal of marriage.”
“Precisely,” Leopold agreed.
Easton searched his face. “Are you saying you will cast her off because she is unfit?”
“Absolutely not!” How could he?
Easton raised his glass and took a sip. “Hmm. What will you do? I gather from your letter that the baby lives. Have you discussed childbearing and childrearing with Lady Adlington?”
“I have touched on the subject, but I felt there was less of a need. You see, my wife helped to rear her siblings when her mother passed away. Having met them, I can only say she did a fine job. They have such love and respect for her,” Leopold replied.
“At least that is encouraging.” Easton flashed him a smile.
Leopold smiled wistfully. “It is. My wife would be happy to be surrounded by children.” It was such a pity that they were not meant to be. Leopold clenched his jaw and scrubbed his hands over his face.
“Happiness in marriage is now an expectation, Adlington. Apparently, all the ladies believe their marriage should pattern that of the queen. A fruitful marriage, I dare say. They already have five children” Easton quipped.
Leopold chuckled. “The royals have a seemingly blissful marriage. Is that not what we all desire? I wanted a wife who would be content in her role and pleased to be the marchioness. I have thought about this a great deal since I have been at Hardwick Hall, and I wanted a true companion.”
Easton raised a brow. “Companion?”
“Yes,” Leopold replied with confidence. “I wanted a close relationship with my wife. It was never my intention to take a mistress. I thought my wife and I were headed in the right direction until this happened.”
Easton raised his brows. “I do not mean to be obtuse, Adlington. How do you propose to have that companionship when you are here? Should you not be at Adlington Hall?”
Leopold sighed heavily. “Easton, believe me when I say there are some days when it is all clear to me, but I am not so certain about others. What I do know is that I need to let go of my grief and the fear that gripped me. My fear caused me to feel ill the last time I was at the hospital, and I left in haste.”
“What you have gone through is not easy, Adlington. I can understand why you would be afraid.” Easton’s voice was filled with empathy.
“I allowed the fear to grip me so much that it manifested itself physically. Can you understand that? I never want to experience it again. I can tell you, Easton … it scared me,” Leopold said.
Easton nodded. “I know that would have made you uncomfortable.”
“Indeed. There is so much that I need to think about,” Leopold announced.
Easton studied him for a moment. “Are you saying that you may remain here?”
“I think it is best under the circumstances. I wrote to inform my wife of my decision.” Leopold could not say for certain that he would never return to Emma. Right now, he could not see the way back to her. Leopold had a throbbing headache, and he realized how hungry he was. “I am sure you are as famished as I am. Shall we dine?”
“Certainly,” Easton replied.
