Chapter 37

Chapter 37

"You are an idiot," Gregory said two days later.

William sighed. "I already know that. You do not need to tell me."

Charlotte had only been gone for two days, but he missed her like crazy. He had said they needed time to calm down, but he didn't mean she should leave the house. He simply wanted an opportunity to process everything and speak to her once his mind was clear. Dealing with his brother had clouded his judgment, but he didn't want to hurt his wife, so he had asked for time.

William didn't want his insecurities to get the better of him, but that had still happened. He had questioned her as though she was at fault when he just wanted to hear her assure him that she was with him because she wanted to be with him. However, what came out of his mouth had been accusatory, so walking away from the situation had seemed best.

"How many more times do I need to tell you to go after your wife?" Gregory asked. "What are you waiting for?"

William didn't know how to explain that fear had him by the neck. He was terrified that once he saw his wife, she would tell him that she no longer wished to be with him. They hadn't even consummated the marriage yet, but things had already fallen apart. He felt like a failure of a husband.

"I do not know if she will see me," he said. "She might be done with me. With this marriage."

"All the more reason to go and see her," said Gregory, reaching for a biscuit.

His friend had come over for tea and to offer support and encouragement, but he had scolded him instead. Not that William didn't deserve it. He had made a terrible mistake, and Gregory wanted to ensure he understood that.

"Where is he?" a woman screeched.

Gregory and William jerked in their seats at the noise. The woman sounded like a banshee.

"Isn't that your stepmother?" Gregory asked.

"I think it is," said William. "She sounds incensed."

"Do you suppose she knows about your problem in your marriage?" said Gregory.

William didn't reply because his stepmother marched into the parlor with her hands on her hips.

"William Russell the third," she yelled.

William stood up. "Yes?"

"What is this I hear about you and Charlotte?" she demanded. "How could you have made such a mess? I gave you the perfect wife, and you sent her back to her parents. Are you a fool? Did I not tell you to cherish her? Did I not say that I chose her carefully for you?"

William sank onto his seat, feeling thoroughly scolded. It wasn't usual for his stepmother to raise her voice at him.

"I am not the only one at fault," he said defensively. "This wouldn't have happened if Henry hadn't interfered."

Catherine pursed her lips and sat down. "I know all about Henry's interference. He tried to blame everything on Charlotte, but I'm his mother. I can see when he's lying. I sent him to his townhouse to think about his behavior. He cannot return until he finds a way to make amends."

William doubted Henry would ever do that. Being spoiled for so many years tended to ruin a person.

"Well, I do not wish to see him either way," said William. "I am tired of his ways."

His stepmother nodded. "That is understandable," she said. "But do not assume you are not at fault, young man. Tell me precisely what happened. Henry left out too many details."

William sighed and scratched the back of his head. He didn't want to relive the events of that night again. He didn't want to be reminded of how he made one of the biggest mistakes of his life. Unfortunately, his stepmother would never accept that. She didn't let a matter go until she had what she wanted.

"Henry said inappropriate things to my wife, and I kicked him out of the house," William said.

"I know that much," said Catherine. "What did you say afterward? Why is your wife not here with you?"

His stepmother's green eyes never wavered from his. Gregory cleared his throat, snapping her attention to him.

"Ah, Lord Gregory," she said. "Forgive me for not greeting you earlier. This matter has all my nerves bundled in a tight circle. I hope you're well?"

"Yes, thank you, Your Grace," he replied, standing up to bow. "It's lovely to see you again."

"And you," Catherine said and promptly turned to William. "Now, tell me everything."

William rubbed his eyes. "Well, I questioned our suitability as a married couple and asked for time," he said, summarizing the situation.

Catherine lifted an eyebrow. "What do you mean by questioning your suitability?"

"I said we might not be a good match," he revealed. "I think I might have made her believe she was somehow at fault for Henry's behavior. I didn't mean it," he quickly added. "It was just my insecurity speaking."

"Oh, goodness," his stepmother muttered, fanning her face. "Not only did you question whether she was good for you, you also questioned her integrity and chased her out of the house."

"I didn't chase her out," William protested. "I merely said we needed time apart. Where did you even hear of this? Henry left before she did."

"Word gets around," Catherine said. "You forget that servants also like to gossip."

William hadn't thought about that. He didn't think one of his servants said anything, but perhaps Charlotte's parents' servants had overheard something.

"I also went to see your wife," his stepmother added.

"You went to see Charlotte?" said William. "How is she? Is she well?"

"She is fine," said Catherine.

She did not say, No thanks to you , but he could see she wanted to. Still, he was glad to know his wife wasn't affected by their quarrel to the point of illness. Charlotte was a strong woman who could endure many things. He just wished he hadn't been the one to hurt her.

"You need to see her and beg for forgiveness," Catherine told him. "You know she would never do anything to harm you or your marriage, so this is entirely on you. You disappointed her, but she seems to care about you enough to give you a second chance. I suggest you grab that chance and never let go."

William never intended to let her go in the first place, but he somehow made her leave him. If he truly had a second chance, he likely would never allow her out of his sight again.