Chapter Twenty-Eight
Nathaniel’s hadn’t wanted to talk with his sister about his marriage, at all, but he’d known she would eventually bring it up.
He hadn’t known the result would be him completely eviscerated, undoing any progress he’d hoped to make in Frances after her parents’ abuse.
Not that he needed to fix her, but there was a magnificent woman inside Frances, buried under the belief that she was unwanted and worthless.
A belief he’d unwittingly contributed to.
Luckily, James and Rebecca entertained Frances on the ride to London, but Nathaniel determined to tell her about Jo as soon as they arrived at Sutton House.
And were settled. As soon as it was fitting.
Then she would understand that she was wonderful, and it had nothing to do with her.
He simply didn’t have room in his heart for anyone else.
“Will you be staying at Sutton House with us?” Frances asked his siblings once they reached London.
“Bachelor lodgings,” James and Rebecca said in unison, but Nathaniel could feel Becca’s eyes on him as she added, “My grandparents are expecting me. I usually stay with them when we come to the city.”
“Yes, for a week or so, but you’ve never stayed an entire season,” Nathaniel pointed out.
“Are you implying they’ll tire of me?” She pretended to be hurt.
“I’m saying you’re always welcome at Sutton House, for as long as you wish to stay.”
“My place as—” James started.
“No,” Nathaniel said quickly. “As pristine as her reputation is, she will not withstand living in bachelor lodgings with you.”
“I’m her brother,” James argued.
“I would never make the distinction either, but cousins can—and do—marry. Frequently,” Nathaniel pointed out.
“That’s disgusting,” James and Rebecca said at the same time, then they both laughed.
“You’re incorrigible, but my decision stays.”
“I’ll ask Grandmama about her plans for the season,” Rebecca assured him.
Before the weight of the title had taken over, losing his parents had made him feel so lost, like he didn’t belong anywhere. He’d taken special care since then to make sure Rebecca always felt like she belonged everywhere.
Except, of course, in James’ house of ill repute.
Frances was nervous as they made their way home.
Not of Nathaniel, necessarily, but of his reaction to the house.
He knew about the paintings, but assuming everything had gone according to plan, some rooms would look as they had not since his parents died.
Which she hoped would make him happy, but she wasn’t sure.
For the most part, Nathaniel was perfect, and she would have thanked her lucky stars if he’d chosen her without all the extenuating circumstances, but even then, once in a while, especially when it came to the past, he became quiet.
Withdrawn. Like he was angry and he didn’t know how to express it to the ones he was mad at, so he directed it all inwards and became a tortured shadow of the man he usually was.
When they arrived at Sutton House, her fears turned into jealousy.
There was a woman standing on the front steps, looking up at the house as though deciding if she wanted to knock.
On its own, this wouldn’t have bothered Frances in the least, but Nathaniel stared like he was absolutely in love with the back of her head.