Page 95 of The Duke's Impossible Deal
“I only did what was necessary. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Tobias’s words came back to her, making the lump in her throat swell.
“He is a loyal friend.”
“He is,” James agreed. “I think there are few men like him, and I will always be grateful for what he has done.” He gave her a playful nudge. “I am also glad that you let him look after you. I know that cannot have been easy for you.”
“It was easier than I expected,” Rowen admitted. “I had not expected to feel so well looked after, but… Well…”
“I am glad he made you feel that way.” James squeezed her hand. “You deserve nothing less.”
Rowen nodded, not trusting herself to speak. The lump in her throat was so large that she could barely breathe. She felt tears threatening to spill over and hastily wiped them away, hoping her brother would not notice as he turned away from her.
James stepped into the snowy London street while she tried to think of something to say. His brush with death may have robbed him of his strength, but it only seemed to strengthen his will.
She watched as he breathed in deeply, turned to face her, and flashed her one of the widest smiles she had ever seen.
“It will all work out in the end, Rowen. Life is too short for it not to.”
“I hope so.” She smiled back at him.
“I will see you later. And give my darling niece and nephew a big hug from me.” James tucked his hands into his pockets and began to walk down the street, whistling as he did.
She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. Her head spun.
She walked away from the front door in a daze. Everything had happened so fast.
“There is no reason for you to stay married.”
Her brother’s words echoed in her head over and over. She had wanted Tobias to say something, to say anything. But he had not. He had not even looked at her.
She clenched her fists. “I was just an obligation.”
She did not want to believe it, not after what she had done—or rather, tried to do—the night before. She had thrown herself at him, and he had let her.
He had kissed her like it had meant something to him. “But as soon as he was offered a way to be rid of us… he took it.”
She needed to understand. To hear him say it to her. Perhaps he was just as shocked as she was.
She walked into the study to find him leaning against the mantelpiece, swirling a glass of scotch in his hand.
He looked up as she entered, his face blank. She swallowed, trying to think of something to say.
“Why did you not tell me that the repairs at Irving Manor were so close to being finished?” That was not the question she had meant to ask, but it tumbled past her lips anyway. “How long have you known?”
Tobias shrugged. “I was going to visit at the end of the week to confirm everything, but that seems a little pointless now. I did not wish to tell you before I knew for certain. There is a chance I could have the contractors hurry things along; the repairs might be finished even sooner than we expected.”
His words felt like a slap to the face.
“I had not realized you were so eager to be rid of me.”
“It is your home. And you yourself said that Ewelme House is small. This way, you will be able to shorten your stay.” His face was like carved marble.
“Then you do not care that I am leaving?” Rowen stepped towards him.
Damn you, ask me to stay.
“You have no issues with my brother’s proposal? I thought you did not take orders from people.”
