Verity attempted to remind him that Cassandra was already gone, so there was no injustice. Tristan was not a bigamist if that was Lord Halbridge’s concern. Even the Bible said that men should remarry if widowed, didn’t it?
Lord Halbridge huffed out a breath. “She is still in my heart, and that is enough. You were never supposed to be a duchess.”
Verity knew that very well, but she wasn’t about to tell him what had happened. Her marriage was supposed to squash the scandal, not bring about more trouble. She felt her breathing quicken. Even when she glanced toward the doorway, he shifted to block the little corner.
She wasn’t going to get out of there alone.
Verity forced herself to accept that. Her next option was to hold her ground. This was her home, not his, and she would not be a coward under her own roof.
“Sometimes we don’t have the lives we expect,” she said hastily when he took a step forward.
The words seemed to catch his attention, for he paused.
“You weren’t supposed to marry him. No one should. The man is dangerous,” Lord Halbridge hissed.
All she wanted to do was slap him for his brutish behavior. Verity considered that while forcing herself to say instead, “Why don’t you sit down so we can talk about it? I believe that would be more appropriate.”
“You still don’t understand, do you?”
“Do not touch me.” Verity stiffened when his arm brushed hers. Her voice cracked only once when she added, “Please, My Lord, remember your manners. We are not so familiar with one another.”
He gritted his teeth. “You’re nothing like her. Is that it? Is that why the Duke married you? He wanted something less than her—smaller, duller, pathetic.”
While Verity knew she might not be a diamond of the first water, she had never been so insulted.
Her hands curled into fists that shook with fear and anger as she glared at him. “I suggest you take your leave. At once.”
“The Duke is hardly a man. A human. He’s a bitter soul bound for the deepest depths. It was his fault she was gone. Do you know that? My cousin was the picture of health! She would not be dead now if they were not wed. It is his fault she is gone, and I will not let that stand.”
“You can’t do anything. He’s not even here,” Verity blurted.
Something dark flickered in Lord Halbridge’s gaze as he stared her down, daring her to move. “No, but you are.”
She yelped as he reached for her, just barely dodging him. His nails grazed her forearm but touched nothing.
Heart pounding, she looked around and wondered if hiding behind the sofa would suffice. Could she perhaps jump out of the window? She had to get away from him; talking was futile.
“I will have my revenge!”
Verity scrambled back, her chest heaving. “Don’t you dare, you––”
They both jumped just as the door burst open.
CHAPTER 31
Tristan had forced his horse to gallop through the dreadfully wet weather into the countryside. Though he had suffered many a day like this in the cavalry, his horse had not been with him to survive such an experience. It made his steed rather irritated and unhappy, and thus more than relieved to finally reach Redcliff Manor.
This was where Verity had to be.
He’d already called on Lady Marsten, who merely recommended fresh air to solve their marital troubles. It hadn’t taken him long to realize she was offering him a clue. She’d winked and sent him on his way without letting him cross the threshold, oozing a playfully irritating charm that reminded him of his friends.
While he had sent Julian off to find Halbridge, Tristan had traveled through a dreary morning to reach his country seat. The house was still closed up when he had arrived, thus forcing him to come here.
I should have thought to check Redcliff Manor first. Verity would want to be where she is loved. Where she feels safe. Where she knows I would never look. But if I could find her, so could Halbridge.
“My Lord?” The door opened to reveal a young footman, his mouth gaping open.
“Here.” Tristan had pulled his horse up the steps to keep the poor creature out of the rain. He handed the reins to the footman while stepping inside. “Where is she?”
