Harriet thought of Leeds’s cramped smile this morning and almost wanted to laugh again. Ah, yes. That must have been the funniest sight she had ever witnessed. The image was one that she could draw upon whenever her mood turned sour.
As her husband slowly revealed more of himself to her, she questioned more and more the origin of his motive. Could it really be as nefarious as she had at first believed, or could she have been wrong? Could it be something else entirely?
Perhaps Leonora had a point. Perhaps she should use the Stewart ball to dazzle Leeds and draw out the answer she wanted. Curiosity was a loathsome thing. As was waiting to discover all of his secrets.
She sighed.
It wasn’t like she wanted to harp on the subject, but the man had turned her world upside down. She wouldn’t be content until she was sure she knew the full reason why.
“It has to be said,” Rohan murmured, “he’s done you quite the favor in one way. If not for him, these days you would be spending all your time fending off the tricks and traps of fortune hunters.”
Harriet sent him a hot look. “Are you saying he was in the market for a wife, and I was easy pickings because of those wagers?”
“That is not what I said . . .”
“Implying something is the same as saying it.”
Rohan lifted his hands in surrender. “I’m merely saying he did you a favor, and whatever answer you might be looking for, be prepared. You might not like it.”
“Whether I like it or not, I still want to know!”
And if Leeds had married her because of the wagers... because she had been easy to pluck because of them...
Harriet’s heart clenched.
He had said from the start that he and her father were only trying to protect her. But why would hewantto protect her? Perhaps that was the better question to ask. Not why did he marry her, but why did he get involved at all? Why protect her? Why not seek a formal introduction before the wagers?
Lord, the man’s mind was like the most complicated of riddles!
And on top of all these troubles and riddles, she still hadthe secretweighing on her. A secret that would finally be spilled at the Stewart ball. She had promised not to breathe a word of it, so she wouldn’t, even though she was dying to confide in Rohan. And yes, even though she wanted to tell Leeds, too.
Gah! That way madness lies.Best to keep such tangled thoughts at bay.
Rohan pointed at a shop window. “Those are pretty ribbons. Do you want one?”
Harriet scoffed. “Who is skirting around the subject now?”
“My instinct for self-preservation is well-honed.”
Harriet rolled her eyes but followed Rohan into the shop. She needed a pretty ribbon for the upcoming ball anyway, and this was a good distraction. “On the topic of marriage and easy pickings, when are you planning to take a wife?”
Rohan laughed. “Do you want me to share in the misery of being leg shackled?”
“Does it look like I’m miserable?” Harriet asked. “I’m coming to find marriage has its perks.” Ah, see. She just had to think about that face this morning and her mood brightened.
“Oh? Like what?”
“Marry and discover for yourself.”
“If I do find a woman who is willing to put up with me, you shall be the first to know.”
“Please do,” Harriet said, browsing a row of bright ribbons. “Oh, and the gin you gave me is almost finished.”
“You want more?”
Harriet gave a thoughtful pause. “No need. I think I shall try Cognac next.”
“Leeds swayed you over?”
