Twenty-eight

Gwendolyn

Silence crippled our carriage ride home from the Penington musicale.

Even though Hunter joined me shortly after his meeting with his friends, and the time I spent with Helena allowed us to become better acquainted, something felt off. From the moment the missive called him away midway through the performance, his mind lingered elsewhere, and he seemed distant and distracted.

"Did you have a pleasant time tonight?" I asked, making an effort to converse.

He smiled. "Yes, anytime I'm with you is pleasurable." He reached for my gloved hand and held it. "Did you enjoy the music?"

"Yes, the performer had a lovely voice."

"Did you see your friend, Captain Bently?"

His question caused my body to stiffen.

When glancing around the guests, waiting for Hunter to return, I caught sight of the captain standing near the back of the ballroom. I did not acknowledge him, and I silently appreciated he did not approach me. "I believe so."

He shot me an interesting look. "What are your plans tomorrow?"

"I don't have any. House calls in the morning, but the afternoon is yours."

He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Then he looked out the window of the coach as if he didn't hear me.

"Or not," I whispered.

He met my eyes in a flash. "Forgive me, Gwendolyn, I have much on my mind as of late. Pressure from my father, concerns over Jaxon."

I wondered if his meeting with Lord Zachary and Lord Lucas was regarding their missing friend. This seemed to weigh heavily on all their minds. I wound my arm up and around his shoulders and gently massaged his neck at the base of his hair. Leaning in, I whispered, "Is there anything I can do to help?" I hoped to stir some desire. When I drew back, his eyes found me with an intensity that nearly melted my skin. Did he see I offered him more? That, maybe, tonight he could visit my bedchamber?

Then the muscles in his jaw visibly hardened. "I must check on Gottling Hall, there are tenant concerns requiring my immediate attention. I leave in the morning."

"Oh." I pulled my arm off his shoulders and back to my lap. He must've missed my hint or lost interest, somehow, in the short time we've been married. He generously offered me space and time, but now that we had grown closer, I believed he might want me. "Would you like me to join you for the trip?"

He beheld me again with an unusual mixture of emotion in his eyes. "I fear it will bore you." He paused. "It will be a quick jaunt with Claymore, maybe two days at the most. Enjoy your time without me hounding you for your company." He kissed my hand and my heart plummeted. Maybe I liked him hounding me.

When we arrived home, Hunter saw me inside, but waved Henry off when he came to retrieve his hat and coat. "I need to speak to my mother, I won't be long. Goodnight, Gwendolyn." He kissed my cheek and departed back outside.

Vexation threaded through every fiber of my being, and I nearly stomped all the way to my bedchamber where Daphne awaited my return.

"How was the musicale?"

"Fine," I snapped.

Daphne looked at me curiously. "And what was not fine?"

I rested my elbows on my vanity, then propped my chin up. "Hunter does not trust me," I sighed.

"How can he not trust you? You're the most honest person I know."

"He doesn't trust me enough to confide in me. Something is wrong, and he is speaking with everyone about it, except me."

"Are you certain?"

"Yes. He met with Lucas and Zachary, and now he is meeting with his mother."

"Perhaps it is something about his father, possibly an illness. Perhaps he isn't ready to tell you."

"We've grown together, Daphne." I circled around on the stool and faced her. "I thought he enjoyed spending time with me."

"Men are confounding." Daphne stepped over and began releasing the pearls from my hair. "I don't think we're ever meant to figure them out."

"He's leaving for Gottling Hall tomorrow. I offered to accompany him, but he refused, said it would be boring." Frowning, I bit my thumbnail again. "I only want to spend time with him. I don't care where."

"Hmmm. You don't think…"

"Think what?" My heart pounded in my chest.

"Never mind, it's ridiculous. Lord Devon is nothing like his brother."

Tears built in the corners of my eyes. "You were going to suggest he might have a lover."

She nodded solemnly.

"But he told me he would never take a mistress," I divulged. Yet, I still didn't know if he loved someone before he married me.

Daphne pursed her lips and finished removing the pins. My hair unraveled and fell to my shoulders. "I don't think Lord Devon is capable of hurting you, my lady. That is what I think." She lowered her voice and whispered, "But if you want, I can do some snooping."

I swallowed hard. If Hunter knew I tasked Daphne to inquire further, it might risk our relationship. He may never trust me again. But then again, he didn't trust me at all if he kept secrets from me.

"Okay, but you must not make it apparent."

"I know how to meddle and not get caught, my lady." She grinned.

I laughed in her direction. "What does that say about my privacy?"

"I don't have to spy on you. You already tell me everything."

I chuckled lightly, thankful that the heaviness in my chest had been momentarily lifted.