Henry’s jaw shifted.
“Of course,” Matthew continued, tone like silk drawn over glass, “you won’t marry her. That would be absurd. But if you’ve decided to enjoy her while she’s here…well. It’s not your future on the line, is it? Let her suffer the gossip. Let her carry the consequence. She’s the one reaching. You're just indulging a distraction.”
“Or don’t,” Matthew said, lifting a shoulder. “Walk away tomorrow. Let her settle for herself and convince herself it was love. But you? You’ll be fine either way. You always are.”
Henry’s silence stretched out, his expression hard.
Matthew smiled faintly. “Who cares about the little Jezebel trying to seduce a duke?”
That struck.
Henry’s voice, when it came, was very quiet. “Say that again.”
Matthew paused. “Come now, cousin. Let’s not be dramatic.”
Henry took a slow step forward. “You came here pretending concern. But this isn’t about me. It never was. You’re covering for something.”
“I’m offering perspective.”
“No,” Henry said, his voice clipped. “You’re insulting a woman who has done more with less than any man in this house. Including you.”
Matthew’s smile twitched. “You don’t plan to marry her. Everyone knows that.”
Henry’s eyes didn’t move. “And if I did?”
Matthew faltered, not visibly, not quite. But something in his expression pulled taut.
“Well,” he said with a hollow laugh, “then she’s done better than we all thought.”
Henry didn’t smile.
“Get out,” he said.
“Of course,” Matthew said, straightening his coat. “I see I’ve offended your… noble intentions.”
“You're not clever enough to offend me,” Henry replied coldly. “Just tedious enough to waste my time.”
“Very well.” Matthew nodded. “But if you find yourself in need of a less… compromised perspective, you know where to find me.”
He left without waiting for a reply.
Henry didn’t move until the door closed behind him.
Then he reached for the decanter, poured himself a drink…
…stared at it…
…and poured it back.
CHAPTER 16
Most of the guests had already gone, only Gretchen remained with her.
Julia had departed just after luncheon, all warmth and bright chatter, her voice lingering in the corridor long after she’d swept out in a cloud of lavender. Natalie had followed silently behind, clutching a book and offering Anna a light grin.
They’d both embraced her tightly. Julia had whispered, “You’ll write, won’t you? Especially if anything scandalous happens.” Anna had promised she would.
The Hales had left earlier still, leaving only a note and a pressed flower for Anna,charming company, do write–as if a week of shared meals could be reduced to four breezy words.
