but he did n

impatience. He had thought Gabriella to be a pro

s peripheral vision. Her fingers were tightly interlaced, her f

oice trembling slightly. "It is just... if you leave this room

fro

subtle battlefield of household gossip w

ay you found your new bride so... unsatisfactory... that you could not bear to share a room with her for even one night." She shifted the focus from her own feelings to his family'

was inexperienced in such matters and ha

disturb you, my lord. You may take the bed. I am more than content to s

ng herself in the lowest possible position, she made it impo

pting to dissect her motives. But her expression was a flawless facade of in

"That will not be necessary," he

ngue by the fireplace. Then he walked over to the tall windows, turning his back to h

t breath. She had made him stay

to remove her heavy bridal adornments. Her hairpins made soft cl

is focus was not on the gardens. His gaze kept drifting to the

rritation cour

uly as meek as she appeared? Or was she a far more dangerou

oom, broken only by the gentle rustle

irror, Gabriella allowed a tiny,

eed of doubt and intrigue deep within his mind. A man curious a

n rosewater, and began to wipe away the heavy