Audrey closed her eyes on a groan. “Another reason they had problems with me from the start.”
“But I saw you, Audrey, I knew you were going to be successful, and I wanted to be a part of it, to help you. And now I’ve ruined everything.”
“You didn’t ruin everything, Robert did,” Audrey said coldly.
“Robert? Why are you blaming him when this is my fault?”
“Because once he knew about the baby, he courted me out of pity, made me fall in love with him—I am such a fool!” She fisted her hands.
“Oh, no, you’re not!” Blythe insisted, catching her hand and making her stop pacing. “You need to hear what I’ve seen. I’ve been watching Robert all this time, and he’s fallen in love with you right before my very eyes. There is such tenderness?—”
“You mean pity,” Audrey interrupted with bitterness.
“Eyes can be powerful, and you don’t understand that. I know the difference between pity and love. Do you not think Ihave seen others show their pity on their faces? Helovesyou Audrey! It shines from him. Can you not feel it?”
“No,” she whispered. “And he never said it. I don’t trust a single thing I’m feeling, and I won’t make another terrible marriage. I’d rather be alone.”
“How can a marriage be terrible if you love him?” Blythe asked plaintively.
“During my first marriage, there was no love at all, and I still felt betrayed when Martin left me behind. But if I love Robert—imagine how he could hurt me? I won’t do it, I won’t marry him,” she insisted, even as she knew she sounded almost hysterical.
Blythe only blew her nose again. “I … I feel responsible for this.”
“You aren’t. He should have told me he knew, and instead, he seduced me.”
Blythe gave a little gasp. “Oh, Audrey …”
“Now don’t you pity me, too, I couldn’t take it!” She covered her face with both hands. “Just—just leave me be, Blythe. I forgive you, because it was just a slip of the tongue.”
“I don’t know if I deserve your forgiveness,” she whispered.
“Then that makes mecertainI forgive you. Go to bed, Blythe. I’ll be all right.”
Blythe put her arms around her, and Audrey accepted the hug, and even tightened it for a fierce moment. She would get through this, and she would have her sister, even if she never rid herself of this terrible ache deep inside where her bright love used to be.
Robert stoodin one of the guest bedrooms at Rose Cottage, staring at the wall that separated Audrey and him, feeling tired and frustrated and angry with himself.
The guilt he bore for helping cause the death of her husband—thatshe’d understood and thought an honest mistake, though it changed everything about her life.
But withholding that he knew the truth about the death of her child? How had he not seen how important that would be to her?
Because, of course, he always thought he knew best. He’d spent his entire life trying to be a different man, a better man, and still hadn’t managed it.
But it wasn’t too late. He and Audrey were meant to be together, however their relationship had come about. The more he knew her, the more amazed he was by her strength, courage, and compassion. He no longer felt pity or duty-bound—he’d fallen in love with her. Every time he was separated from her, the days stretched out as if with no reason, if he couldn’t share them with her.
But would she ever believe this? He had to find some way to convince her of the truth.
Audrey delayed comingdown to breakfast, but it didn’t matter. Robert was still there in the morning, waiting for her, his “Good morning” full of a resolution that didn’t bode well for her peace of mind.
Peace of mind? She’d barely gotten a few hours’ sleep, and her mind felt sluggish and sad. Any peace was cowering in a corner as her dark thoughts chased each other around.
When she heard no other voices or movement, she asked, “Where are my other guests?” keeping her voice impassive.
“They breakfasted and went walking with Blythe. Your sister said you usually walk with her, but she didn’t want to disturb you.”
Audrey only nodded.
“Michael and Cecilia will be leaving soon after.” He paused, then asked softly, “How are you?”
