“I’m always away,” he said, “and when I initially arrive, it takes me forever to adjust too. About the time I’ve calmed down, it’s time for me to depart again, so I never get my feelings in the right spot.”
“We have that in common.”
“Have you written to my half-brothers? About the betrothal party?”
“Yes, but I have no idea where to send the letters.”
“I have to travel to London next week. I can bring them.”
“Good. It means I won’t have to hire an investigator to track them down. Are they in England?”
“Caleb is. He owns a business in town.”
“He left the navy to become a merchant? If your father wasn’t already dead, that news would probably kill him.”
Jacob smirked. “Most likely.”
“Why did he quit?”
“He landed himself in some trouble. It was all very hush-hush, so I never found out what happened, but he had to muster out.”
“How about Blake?”
“Last I heard, he was still a sailor.”
The conversation lagged, and she thought he’d head inside, but he turned to her and said, “I have to talk to you about an awkward topic.”
Gad, was it Italy? He looked so serious that her pulse raced with dread. “What is it? From how you’re glowering, you’re scaring me. Have I offended you in some fashion? If I have, I most humbly apologize.”
“Am I glowering? I’m sorry; I didn’t realize I was.” He laughed and physically shook himself. “I don’t know you very well.”
“Maybe that’s beneficial,” she blithely retorted. “I’m not entirely convinced that a man and woman should share too many details before they marry. If they discover each other’s faults, they might never proceed.”
“True.” He stared out at the sky again, as if conflicted about what to reveal.
“Spit it out, Jacob. It can’t be that difficult. I’m a sturdy female. I can bear up.”
“I don’t want you to take this the wrong way.”
“I swear I won’t.”
“You arrived at the estate and immediately began running things. I’m grateful for it. After Mother died, the manor was adrift and required a steady hand.”
“But . . . ?”
“This is my and Margaret’s home, and we will need time to get used to you being here.”
“I understand.”
“It’s odd to have you in charge, to have you making choices that are different from what we would make ourselves.”
“I’m renowned for being very bossy. When I walked in the door, it seemed natural for me to grab the reins.”
“I figured that was the case, so be patient with us as we acclimate. We may have some bumps in the road, but I’m positive we’ll work through them with minimal upheaval.”
“I’m positive we will too.” She blew out a heavy breath, relieved that the subject hadn’t been much worse, but just when she assumed they were finished, he continued.
“That said, I have to mention this predicament. Margaret is very close with Miss James, and Margaret’s condition is much improved because of Miss James’s devoted attention. We’re glad she’s been tending Margaret, and we’ve both invited her to the party on Saturday.”
“Oh.”
Roxanne didn’t add a comment. She merely gaped at him, her expression blank as she valiantly fought not to show a hint of her rage.
“I was apprised that you had cancelled our invitation,” he said, “but I have reissued it. I’m sure that won’t bother you and that you will graciously welcome her to the festivities.”
His gaze grew steely, giving her no opening to complain.
“How did you hear that I had rescinded it?” she asked.
“It doesn’t matter how, but it appears to me that you led a very independent existence in Italy. I believe that’s a good trait in a navy wife, but you must remember that I will be your husband, and I will decide what will occur and what won’t. If you have questions with regard to any situation, you should discuss it with me prior to responding. I regret to inform you that my opinion will always prevail over yours.”
“Of course it will, and I’m distraught that I’ve upset you.”
“I’m not upset. As I explained, we don’t really know each other, and we’re staggering forward like a pair of blind people.”
“Still though, I must clarify my dealings with her. There are awful stories circulating about her being a charlatan who delivers false hope, and I was worried about Margaret’s burgeoning attachment. With her being so despondent recently, I was afraid Miss James might take advantage of her.”
“It’s kind of you to fret about Margaret, but Margaret will pick her own companions, without any concern over what you and I might think of them.”
She nodded. “Your message is received loud and clear, and I shouldn’t have butted in. I was only trying to help.”
“I realize that fact.” He studied her, then frowned. “You shouldn’t fume about this or attempt to retaliate against Miss James in some fashion.”
“I never would!” Roxanne huffed.
“I wouldn’t want any discord to erupt.”
“Honestly. I’m not a school girl, bent on vengeance. You’ve embarrassed me to the marrow of my bones.”
“Then it’s my turn to apologize.”
Her shoulders slumped, and he clasped her hand and gave it a supportive squeeze.
“This conversation was very awkward,” he said, “so can we go in and forget we talked about it?”
“Certainly.”
“When we enter the parlor, we must be smiling or our guests will imagine we’ve quarreled. We’ll be the focus of gossip, which I hate.”
“I hate it too.”
He offered his arm, and she grabbed hold and allowed him to guide her in, but all the while, she was contemplating Miss James and how Jacob had been flirting with her in the garden.
Apparently, the little tart had tattled to him, and her audacity had stirred enormous problems—for Roxanne.
She’d already been stewing about Miss James’s niece, and she’d been struggling to devise a method to learn more about the child. But with Jacob warning her away from Miss James, she didn’t dare call on them in the future. She didn’t dare inquire about several thorny topics that had to be addressed.
Evidently, Miss James had a relationship brewing with Jacob, but it
