Verity wandered the house to find more improvements, since it was raining outside. She calculated the cost in her head and wondered if Tristan had really sent her aunt the same amount as she received. She tried to understand her feelings while considering the various improvements, wondering why the manor felt so foreign now.
The realization left her unsettled and confused.
“If this doesn’t feel like home, then do I simply not have one?” Verity asked in a quiet huff while studying the new upholstery in the dining room.
“Your Grace?” She jumped and whirled around to see it was Daniel again, his cheeks flushed. “My apologies, Your Grace. I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“Never mind that.” She inhaled deeply. “What is it, Daniel?”
He shifted shyly and glanced over his shoulder down the hall. “Your Grace, you have a guest. There is a gentleman in the front parlor who asked to see you. The butler’s day off is today, I’m afraid, and the gentleman didn’t offer his name or card.”
“Very well, I’d be happy to see him,” Verity said.
Off she went down the hall, expecting it to be one of her tenants. It had to be one of them, since she couldn’t imagine who else would have even noticed her arrival the previous afternoon. She patted her hair and dress, and stepped through the partially open door, prepared to discuss agriculture or land boundaries.
“Good morning,” she started, before her breath caught in her throat.
What is he doing here?
“Oh.” The word escaped her lips before she could help it. She paused in the doorway, confused by his presence. It took her a moment to remember his name. “Lord Halbridge.”
The tall gentleman rose from his seat, seeming slightly wet but otherwise well. He turned to her and smiled like they were old friends. “Your Grace, how lovely to see you. Thank you for your warm welcome into this beautiful home.”
As far as she could remember, Verity had only met him twice. The last time was at the ball, when they danced together. Andbefore then he had accosted her outside the church just before she married. Hadn’t Tristan said something about him?
It doesn’t matter, since my husband cannot be trusted. I wonder if anyone can be.
Trying to remember her manners, Verity smiled and walked further into the room. She didn’t want to think about Tristan. At least Lord Halbridge had not been rude to her or anyone else. The man was a little curious and a little strange, but altogether charming and harmless.
“What a pleasure it is to have a guest here. I haven’t hosted much in the country. This is the second time I have seen you here, but I don’t believe I know of a nearby residence of yours, do I?” she asked.
“No, but I have friends in the county whom I visit frequently.” He lowered himself back onto the sofa while she took the nearby chair.
It felt too rude to ask which friends.
Verity nodded and then started to rise back up, and he followed her. “Pardon me. I should call for tea. Would you like some crumpets as well?”
“Oh. No, thank you.”
So she sat back down, and he followed again.
His light eyes followed her steadily. She brushed off the odd feeling it left on her shoulders.
Feeling awkwardness settle around the edges of their conversation, she thought quickly to lead them forward. “Very well. Perhaps later.”
“Indeed.”
“Are you enjoying the countryside? The Season isn’t over.”
He shook his head. “I’ve never cared for the crowds, and I find myself relieved to be out here.”
“Yes, how fortunate it is that we were able to meet here again. Do you know, I still don’t believe we’ve had a proper introduction,” she realized suddenly with a hesitant laugh. “What misfortune. It still feels like we are strangers, does it not? I hardly know what to ask you today. How did you enjoy the weather on the journey here?”
“Very well, Your Grace, thank you for asking. I thought to call on you and offer my sympathy. The gossip mill is terribly nosy in London, and there have been rumors about some… discontent between yourself and the Duke.”
Her spine stiffened. How could anyone know that?
Perhaps her husband was telling people about her, about their mistake of a marriage. Would he do that?
