His apology sounded hallow, as if he meant not a word of it.
She asked if there was something wrong at the vineyard, assuming that his temper change was due to this.
But Leonard shook his head. “No, nothing’s wrong. In fact, we tried your idea to save the wine, and it went well.”
Sally smiled, pleased to hear this. “That’s wonderful,” she said. “I’d love to sit in with you when you talk to Aaron, so I can learn more.”
But Leonard brushed her off. “While I appreciate your ideas, Sally, business is not a place for a woman,” he said.
Sally felt her heart sink at this. She couldn’t believe that he was shutting her out like this. She tried to hide her disappointment, but she knew that Leonard could sense it.
As she left the room, Sally’s spirits were crushed. She couldn’t help but wonder why Leonard was acting like this. Was it something she had done wrong? Or was there something else going on that she didn’t know about?
CHAPTER25
Sally
Sally couldn't help but feel dejected as she sat alone in her chamber. Their honeymoon had officially ended two days ago, and it was clear nothing had changed in Leonard's mind about their plans. No. His plan for this ludicrous idea had always been his, not hers.
He'd remained civil, but any hint of closeness had evaporated after her illness.
He would sometimes dine with her and engage in civil whiskers, but he would not talk about anything of substance. There wasn't even any banter. Their conversations revolved around the food on the table, the tenants, and their social engagements.
Although now that their honeymoon was over, there would be no further social engagements for some time - if ever.
Even their dinners had grown more and more rare. As of this morning, it had been a week since she and Leonard had last spoken for longer than the amount of time it took to say “Good morning” as one passed another in the hall.
“Mary, where is His Grace?” she asked the lady's maid who had been helping her get ready for the day.
The maid looked past Sally at the mirror across from them, clearly not wanting to meet her eyes.
“I believe he is waiting for Lord Finch,” she said quietly.
“Lord Finch again,” Sally said, not caring what her maid thought of the outburst. Leonard had been with Lord Finch almost every day. He'd seen Kenneth twice, although they hadn't spent as much time together as they had in the best, due to Lousia's arrival and Joanna's condition.
Whenever he wasn't with Lord Finch or Kenneth, he had been shut in his study for most of that time, completely ignoring her. When they did happen to cross paths, he was polite enough, exchanging a few pleasantries with her before retreating into his shell. It was a far cry from the man she had fallen in love with, who used to be so warm and affectionate towards her.
“How long is Lord Finch expected to be here?” she asked Mary, who was busy placing a bandeaux in her hair.
“I am unsure, but His Grace has said he may stay through dinner.”
“Dinner?” Sally exclaimed and spun around, causing the bandeau to fall to the floor. “But it is hardly eleven in the morning.”
Mary gulped and looked out of the window. “I know. I suppose it is because of His Grace's upcoming trip.”
“Trip?” Sally's eyebrows furrowed. She'd heard of no trip.
“Where is my husband going?”
“To Portugal, to one of the vineyards, he said. He told his valet two days ago. he will depart at the end of the month and not return for about six weeks. He did not tell you?”
“No,” Sally said quietly, the shock of this news reverberating like a lightning bolt through her light. How could he not have told her he was going away? And for so long?
“Portugal?” she said, barely audible.
“Yes, and I think Spain thereafter. To the vineyards, he travels there often. I suppose he likes to keep an eye on things,” Mary said. “perhaps you could ask him to go along? You enjoy travel, do you not?”
Sally forced a smile, but it faltered before it could manage. She wanted to travel with Leonard but knew he'd not allow it. She knew he would not.
