36. Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Cassandra was curious to know what had transpired in the study. Xander had rejoined his sisters and carried on as if nothing had happened, but Jethro had not.

It was disappointing, but what she expected. At least there had been no verbal sparring to contend with for the rest of the evening.

After dinner the next day, Jethro sat with them in the drawing room. The conversation was stilted—the two men talking to her, but not to each other. She wondered whether open hostility was preferable.

“What are your plans for tomorrow, Cassandra?” Jethro asked.

“Xander suggested taking a boat out to Portland—if you’ve no objection.”

“Why should I object? I’m glad his visit is affording you such amusement.”

“I wish you would join us,” she said on impulse.

Jethro glanced at Xander and back at her. The expression on her brother’s face was anything but friendly. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I’ll be too busy tomorrow.”

She was unwilling to give up so easily. If the two men spent more time together, surely their relationship would improve. “Then we’ll delay the outing for a day. Would that be more convenient?”

“He will be too busy then as well, Cassandra,” her brother said, before Jethro could reply. “Let him be. Can’t you see? He is married to his work, whereas I am only too glad to put my labour aside to entertain such a lovely lady as you.”

She noticed Jethro’s expression hardening, though it was almost imperceptible. When had those slight changes become so obvious to her?

“I am afraid your brother is right, my dear. I cannot afford to neglect my business in order to make merry if I am required to redecorate the entire house.”

Her ears perked up at his words. Not only had he addressed her as ‘my dear’, but he had implied she could change as many rooms as she liked. The underlying message was that he approved of the alterations she’d already made, and she glowed with pleasure.

Xander seemed to interpret what Jethro had said differently. “I believe your husband is griping at you for the expense of beautifying this room, Cassandra. I daresay it was costly, but in my opinion, it was worth every penny. He cannot say you wasted his blunt.”

“I don’t think Jethro was saying anything of the kind,” she said, rising to her husband’s defence.

“I am glad that I have the resources to indulge your whims, my dear. You need not fear the cost on my account.”

“Ha! He tries to soften his words, but the truth is obvious. He begrudges the expense.”

Cassandra glared at her brother. Why was he so set on provoking Jethro?

To her dismay, her husband rose to his feet. Was he leaving already?

“There is no use arguing. We are each entitled to our opinions. I hope you will believe me when I deny your brother’s accusations that I begrudge the cost of your redecorations.”

He glanced at Xander. “I can afford to support those dependent on me—unlike some people.”

Jethro leaned over, and—to her complete surprise—he kissed her cheek. “I’ll take my coffee in my study. I’m sure you two will have a more entertaining conversation without me.”

Cassandra lifted a hand to where his lips had touched her skin, her heart fluttering at the unanticipated attention, but her pleasure dissipated when she caught the glare Jethro shot her brother before leaving the room.

Perhaps the kiss had not been a show of affection, but a way to seal his victory in a minor skirmish in the ongoing battle being fought between the two men .

Once Jethro had left, Cassandra rounded on Xander.

“Why did you have to provoke him? My husband has provided for me admirably and doesn’t deserve your scorn. It is beneath you.”

“But it is acceptable for him to mock me? He waves away my disappointment as if it was nothing.”

“He means well.”

“Does he? Has he made you happy?”

“He has put a roof over my head, which is more than you did.”

“That’s right. Blame Xander for everything—why not?”

“I’m sorry. That was uncalled for.”

“But true. You needed somewhere to live, but you didn’t have to marry, did you? You could have found employment like Julia.”

“No one else responded to my advertisement, but why do you think I would have chosen differently even if they had? Why would I become an old lady’s companion rather than accept the only marriage proposal I’ve ever received? I chose to marry Jethro—and I don’t regret it.”

“Your sentiments are laudable, but you’re only fooling yourself. How could you not rue marrying such a—”

“I don’t regret it.”

Xander wrinkled up his nose in distaste. “Now that , I can’t pretend to understand. A life without love might be less painful, but it’s cold. Very cold indeed.”

His words made Cassandra shudder. Was her life as bleak as her brother painted it?

“I need a drink,” he said, rising from his seat. “My heart is broken, though you seem to have forgotten it, and I shall console myself at the Golden Lion, as I will not get any sympathy here.”

Cassandra knew she ought to stop him, but she let him go. She had received enough unhelpful comments about her marriage for one evening.

And she had much to ponder.

Had she meant what she said? That she didn’t regret marrying Jethro, or had she spoken out of duty?

Because the future happiness of her marriage might just hang on her answer.