Page 105 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

He had failed her. He had promised to care for her, and he had let her down.

Cassandra was afraid, and she had gone to Mr Barnes for protection—from him.

He couldn’t blame her for preferring the curate’s gentle manners to his own unpredictable temperament. But did that mean she still had feelings for the man?

As the old jealousy threatened to resurface, Jethro prayed for help to master it.

Cassandra deserved better than this.

Chapter 56

There was a knock on his study door, and Jethro jumped. How long had he been sitting there, lost in his thoughts? If he wasn’t careful, he would become as melancholy as Alexander.

The knock came again, and he realised he was yet to answer it. “Come.”

Cassandra stuck her head around the door. “Am I disturbing you?”

Jethro assured her she was not and bid her take a seat.

She sat on the edge of the chair and gazed into his face. He could not read her expression, but there was no sign of fear in it, and his spirits revived a little.

“Mr Barnes said I should talk to you.”

“Gilbert, don’t you mean?” Jethro spat out before he could stop himself.

“Yes, I’m sorry,” she said, dropping her eyes to her lap. “I won’t call him that if it displeases you. We are old friends and—”

This was the moment to challenge her. Did he dare? He had never shied away from tough conversations before Cassandra had entered his life. But could he bear to learn she was in love with someone else?

Yes. He dared. He had to know.

“Is that all?”

She creased her forehead and gave him a quizzical look. “What do you mean?”

“Is that all you are to each other—friends?”

“I’m married to you.”

“That does not answer my question. It is a fact and says nothing of your feelings.”

He leaned over his desk and lifted her chin with his hand, so she was forced to meet his eyes. “Our marriage was, from the start, one of convenience, but I would like, very much, to know whether another holds your heart. I appreciate I’ve no right to demand an answer, but tell me, would you have married someone else if your circumstances had been different?”

Cassandra’s jaw dropped open, as if his words had taken her by surprise. Jethro tried not to focus on her lips. Kissing had got him into trouble before.

Gradually the corners of her mouth turned up, and she shot him the most delicious smile that almost overcame his resolution to keep his distance.

“You think I’m in love with Gilbert.”

It was not a question.

“Are you?”

“No.”

A huge weight slipped from his shoulders, and Jethro sat up straighter in his chair.

“Is he in love with you?”