Theo supposed the Barringtons all owed Haven some thanks for his intervention.
“If she runs off to become a pirate, we will all blame you.” Her reply was sharp. She was still thinking of that blasted drawing in the papers. Had Haven seen it? Maybe that was what had finally made him come to see her. Mutual embarrassment.
“You’reincrediblyhostile this afternoon,” Haven said quietly. “More so than usual.” He was standing several feet away from her, facing the view of the park, and made no move to come closer. “I should have called sooner.”
“It is of no consequence, my lord. I’m hopeful our marriage will continue in much the same vein. Avoidance. If only you had ignored my miniature that night in Blythe’s study, we could continue to be nothing more than passing acquaintances. Think of how lovely that would have been.”
“We’ve never been just passing acquaintances,” he said. “Not when I kissed you at Granby’s house party. Not in Blythe’s study. Certainly not now.”
“Compromised by a marquess of questionable reputation. Had I known during that stupid house party what my future would be, I might have avoided you altogether. At the very least, when we played bowls, I might have tossed one at your head.”
“Bloodthirsty.” He watched her closely. “I agree on the impoverishment, Theodosia. You behave as if it is some great secret. And my reputation may yet survive marriage to you.”
Theo couldfeelher nostrils flare. That had never happened to her before. “You would have takenanychance to compromise a girl you came acrossifher dowry was rich enough. I fell into your lap like a ripe plum.” She pushed the hated spectacles further up her nose, wanting to rip them from her face.
“But not a spoiled one.” The sides of his mouth lifted. “Is there a point to this conversation?”
“Does my humiliation amuse you?”
“Dramaticandhostile today.”
Theo jerked back, irritated beyond belief. He behaved as if her life were all some great joke. “And you wonder why I prefer Blythe.”
“Actually, I don’t.” His jaw hardened at the mention of Blythe.
Theo traced the line of his torso, her gaze moving over the broad chest to the worn leather of his riding breeches. The corded bands of muscle in his thighs were visible, rippling beneath the surface of the leather, leaving little to the imagination. And Theo’s imagination was already quite vivid in regards to Haven. She took in his boots. Old. Scuffed. Worn. Somehow that only enhanced his appeal.
Her stomach made a soft flip, muddling her insides. Exactly what she wished to avoid.
Focus on your anger, Theo.
“If you are done assessing me—”
“I was not. Assessing you, that is. I’ve seen you more than enough, my lord.”
Haven cocked his head and turned to her, the moss green of his eyes contrasting dramatically with the coat and russet hair. There was a roughness to Haven, a sense of something dark and barely contained, waiting to burst forth. Theo could feel it coiling around her.
“You are put out, Theodosia, because I haven’t called upon you since Lady Molsin’s.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m only dismayed by your arrival today.”
“You don’t like to feel as if you’ve been overlooked. Or ignored.” The rumble of his words ran over Theo, melting into her bones. “I will take better care in the future.”
Theo gripped her brush tighter. Haven, in addition to all his other unpleasant, unwelcome qualities, was far too intuitive. She had felt overlooked most of her life, a dull wren hiding amongst the more vibrant, colorful Barringtons.
“Perish the thought, my lord. Ignore me as often as you like. Ours is not a relationship born of affection but based on other values. Financial gain being the primary one. My not being treated like a leper for the remainder of my life being the other. As it happens, now seems a good time to speak of our future. It is long overdue. We should discuss the rules.”
“Rules?” A brow lifted.
“Yes. I’m sure you’ll agree due to the circumstances of our marriage, it would be best if we keep things somewhat distant—”
“No,” he stated flatly.
“You have no idea what I’m going to say,” she countered. Theo had spent many hours since Lady Molsin’s considering how best to proceed. It made sense for both of them. Haven was merely being difficult.
“I have a general idea of your ridiculous proposal, Theodosia, and my answer is definitely no.” Haven came closer, filling the air around her with spice and leather.
“It isn’t ridiculous.” Theo pushed the spectacles further up her nose. “And I don’t understand why you would object. We aren’t suited at all. We consistently argue—”
