Page 75 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

Was her brother right? His behaviour annoyed Jethro—she would have to be blind not to see that—but how deeply did it affect her husband? It was hard to tell. He batted away Xander’s insolence like an irritating wasp, but she didn’t think he’d been stung.

Whereas she had, over and over, every time Xander mocked Jethro.

“I’m not talking about my husband’s feelings—I’m talking about mine. When you make derogatory remarks about him, it upsets me.”

“I don’t mean to hurt you, Cassy, but the man’s insufferable.”

“How can you say that? He’s shown you nothing but kindness, sharing his home with you.”

“Oh yes. The man is kind, if that’s your notion of kindness. But he treats my broken heart as if it was of no consequence, and I don’t see him oozing with affection for you. A tepid peck on the cheek is not how I’d greet my bride—if I had one.”

Cassandra recalled the kiss Jethro had given her that morning, and the corners of her mouth tilted upward. It might not seem much to Xander, but it meant something to her. It was the first time her husband had kissed her when her brother had not been there to witness it.

“Not everyone chooses to display their affections in public,” she said. “It is not proper that they should, though you appear to have forgotten what is acceptable in polite society. It would not go amiss if you showed a mite more reserve.”

“Ugh! You sound like that cold-hearted husband of yours.”

The accusation hurt, but Cassandra did not retaliate, hoping Xander would heed her advice.

A moment later, he doffed his hat to her with mock solemnity. “I am duly chastised, and will endeavour to keep my feelings to myself in future.”

She wished, rather than believed, he was speaking the truth, because if her brother toned down his criticism of Jethro, it would be beneficial to them all.

And if he didn’t, there would be no peace in their home until Xander returned to sea.

Chapter 40

The following evening, Jethro sat in his study, going over Crowley’s report on the latest shipment again. Perhaps this time he could make some sense of it. His mind kept straying to the drawing room, where he’d left Cassandra and the captain alone together after dinner.

After his last pitiful attempt to establish a rapport with the man had failed, Jethro had given up trying. It was natural his wife should want to spend time with her brother, and he resolved to let her enjoy his company while he was on leave, without his own disruptive influence.

It was better for everyone if he stayed out of the way, but it didn’t stop him from resenting Alexander’s presence. And it didn’t stop him from wondering.

Were they talking about him, or was he simply forgotten, once he retired to his study? Was the captain trying to turn his sister against her husband? Or was she already regretting marrying him?

A knock interrupted his thoughts, and he uttered a curt command to enter.

Much to his surprise, his wife walked into the room.

Jethro rose to his feet, searching her face for any sign of distress. What had made her leave her brother’s company to come in search of him?

“Is something wrong, Cassandra?”

“Why do you assume something has to be wrong for me to wish to talk to my husband?” she asked, perching on the edge of the chair opposite his desk.

Her words banished his concern, but her actions spoke louder. If she had bothered to sit down, she must have more than a quick question to ask him, and intended to stay for some time.

He retook his seat, a half-smile on his lips. “No, but I supposed you were with Alexander.”

“His friends have arrived in Weymouth, and he’s gone to meet them.”

Some of Jethro’s pleasure at Cassandra seeking him out faded. She was not choosing him over her brother after all. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth and sparked a harsher response than he intended. “Ah, I see. He has deserted you in favour of his shipmates.”

Cassandra’s frown was a silent reprimand, and Jethro wished he’d kept his thoughts to himself.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said. “I’m glad they’ve come. He invited me to accompany him to the Golden Lion to meet them, but warned me his friends were likely to become somewhat tipsy.”

“Not just his shipmates, I warrant.”