Page 46 of Loving Mister Stratford
“Oui!” Her mother clapped her hands in delight.“Every performance has been sold out so far! There is talk of this being my most brilliant performance yet.”
“That’s wonderful,” Odette replied honestly. She knew how her mother’s existence depended upon her looks and her ability to remain in demand and draw crowds. Nothing was better for business than an actress with stellar reviews.
“But I caught wind of a little performance of yours, Odette.” Her mother arched one artfully-shaped brow. Odette’s stomach felt heavy and her ears began to ring a warning.
“I don’t know—”
“Please. Do not play the imbecile. Last night at the Haverford ball.”
Odette’s stomach plummeted further to the point of nausea.“How did you hear of that?” she eked out. She should have known her mother would catch wind of the outburst—the popular actress often claimed to have“friends” in most spheres—but it was nearly unbelievable that the news had reached her ears this quickly. Less than twenty-four hours later and her mother had shown up on her doorstep practically foaming at the mouth with her need to discuss it.
“Bah.” Her mother dismissed the question with a flick of her fragile wrist.
“I was merely protecting my husband.” Odette clenched her hands so tightly her nails bit into her palms, no doubt creating deep, crescent-shaped indentations.
“I commend you for having discovered your spirit,” her mother answered coolly.“But I would not be a mother if I didn’t caution you to choose your battles amongst thetonmore wisely. The sister of a duke, the wife of a viscount, and the daughter of an earl would not make good enemies.” Another wave of nausea gripped Odette and she suddenly regretted eating the fish at luncheon. She hadn’t realized just who those women in the powder room were at the time…but, would it have changed the way she’d reacted if she had? Her answer was a resounding no.“It won’t do to set yourself at odds with any of them, especially not when your position is so new.”
“So what am I supposed to do?” Odette ground out.“Allow them to walk all over my husband?”
Her mother leaned forward, an animal cunning glittering in her bright eyes.“If there is truth to the words? If they are not said directly to your face? Then it is wiser to allow them to slide. This is how these titled Englishwomen operate. To make enemies could destroy you before you’ve even truly begun.” The words were spoken in a tone so flat it gave Odette a chill. “The talk amongst those of quality is Mr. Stratford suffers from monomania. It is true,non? That he is so obsessed with his work that he sees nothing else? That the world can burn around him and he will not lift his head from it?” Odette’s silence was all the answer her mother required. She nodded at her daughter in understanding. “Then let it be. Thetonhas allowed you within its fold as the wife of an earl’s son; do not offend them and spit in their eye or you shall lose whatever foothold you have gained.”
Simon stood rooted in place in the hallway outside of the sitting room, his skin icy cold and clammy. The door was ajar nearly six inches—plenty wide enough for him to hear every word being said inside. His entire body was taut and, despite outward appearances, his mind was running more frantically than it ever had before.
He’d been able to convince Odette to admit what had upset her so at the ball…but it was clear he’d been a fool to believe it was done and handled. As much as it irked him, Odette’s mother was correct.
This was far from over.
If anything, it was just the beginning of what Odette would face as his wife.
And his crime? Simply being different and straying from the norm.
It wasn’t fair to Odette to have to endure this. She shouldn’t be forced to become his champion. He should be the one protectingher.
Fists balling tightly at his sides, Simon vowed to do just that. He would do absolutely everything in his power to protect Odette from the stain of his reputation. Whatever the cost to him, he had to do it. He needed nothing more in this world than to give her the space to realize her potential. And if removing himself from her world accomplished this, then so be it. He could not expect her to commit social suicide on his behalf, nor did he wish her to.
He would leave and finish his work elsewhere, and Odette would be free of his tainted shadow. He would make sure she had his family to look out for her in his absence—to make sure she had what she needed and that she entered the right circles. If he knew one thing in this world, it was that he could count on them. Odette already had enough going against her because of her background; she didn’t deserve to have him hold her back.
Her mother was right.
Less important was the fact that his research had fallen behind…exactly like he’d promised himself it wouldn’t. If he had any hope of finishing his paper—if Odette had any hope of fitting in—then there was only one choice for him to make.
Chapter Eighteen
That evening at supper, Odette was more than a little surprised when there were two settings at the table. Simon cleared his throat behind her and she whirled around. He was dressed impeccably—as was his custom when he was not working. His charcoal coat and silver waistcoat somehow made the vibrant colors of his eyes stand out even more brilliantly. Only weeks ago she might have felt self-conscious in her simple dress. He was so beautiful to her and she wanted to feel as if they were a pair; but, if Simon had taught her one thing since their wedding day, it was that she need only be herself for him to want her.
“Good evening.” Simon greeted her softly and brought her knuckle to his lips.
“Simon!” Odette’s heart fluttered.“I wasn’t expecting you this evening.”
“I do occasionally leave my office,” he replied a little on the cooler side of warm. He helped her into her seat and then took his at the head of the table. Mary and their cook had prepared a supper of chilled pea soup, turbot in a light sauce, and roasted vegetables. Odette had come to truly enjoy the simple, rustic meals they prepared. She did not see the need for all the pomp and circumstance when it was just the two of them and a quiet night at home. In fact, she secretly savored the informality of their household, the relatively relaxed life they led behind closed doors. Odette was about to say as much when Simon spoke up instead.
“Sir Nigel Wright has extended an invitation to his home in Lincolnshire. The hope is that we can spend the last few weeks combining our efforts and crafting a final cohesive article for the journal in time for the deadline. The invitation extends at least through the completion of the work.”
“I’ve never traveled that far north,” Odette smiled and took a sip of her wine before stifling a grimace—they’d have to find a new vendor because the selection had been quite atrocious as of late.“How soon do we leave?” She picked up her spoon to take a bite of fish.
“I leave tomorrow.”
Odette set down her fork, no longer hungry in the slightest.“Youleave tomorrow?” she whispered, praying she had misheard him.
