Page 68 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

Nothing.

Except something, somewhere, had altered along the line. Feelings had got involved. His feelings—although he hadn’t been aware of having any before meeting his wife.

Cassandra had changed all that.

Jethro didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he realised they were wrong about him. The gnawing ache deep inside him when he thought of his wife was evidence.

He did have a heart—and it belonged to Cassandra.

Where had those feelings come from? He’d done nothing to nurture them. If anything, he’d fought against them.

Why? Because loving with no hope of that love being returned would be unbearable. And if he allowed himself to dwell on his wife’s affection for Mr Barnes, that was exactly what he thought.

How could Cassandra’s heart ever be his if it had already been given?

It was a relief to give voice to his fears at last, though it caused his heart to ache in a way he hadn’t known was possible.

Dropping his head into his hands, Jethro closed his eyes and prayed. For patience with Alexander. For help to be a better husband.

To love his wife unconditionally, as God loved him—even if she never loved him back.

Chapter 36

Cassandra was curious to know what had transpired in the study. Xander had rejoined his sisters and carried on as if nothing had happened, but Jethro had not.

It was disappointing, but what she expected. At least there had been no verbal sparring to contend with for the rest of the evening.

After dinner the next day, Jethro sat with them in the drawing room. The conversation was stilted—the two men talking to her, but not to each other. She wondered whether open hostility was preferable.

“What are your plans for tomorrow, Cassandra?” Jethro asked.

“Xander suggested taking a boat out to Portland—if you’ve no objection.”

“Why should I object? I’m glad his visit is affording you such amusement.”

“I wish you would join us,” she said on impulse.

Jethro glanced at Xander and back at her. The expression on her brother’s face was anything but friendly. “I’m afraid that won’t be possible. I’ll be too busy tomorrow.”

She was unwilling to give up so easily. If the two men spent more time together, surely their relationship would improve. “Then we’ll delay the outing for a day. Would that be more convenient?”

“He will be too busy then as well, Cassandra,” her brother said, before Jethro could reply. “Let him be. Can’t you see? He is married to his work, whereas I am only too glad to put my labour aside to entertain such a lovely lady as you.”

She noticed Jethro’s expression hardening, though it was almost imperceptible. When had those slight changes become so obvious to her?

“I am afraid your brother is right, my dear. I cannot afford to neglect my business in order to make merry if I am required to redecorate the entire house.”

Her ears perked up at his words. Not only had he addressed her as ‘my dear’, but he had implied she could change as many rooms as she liked. The underlying message was that he approved of the alterations she’d already made, and she glowed with pleasure.

Xander seemed to interpret what Jethro had said differently. “I believe your husband is griping at you for the expense of beautifying this room, Cassandra. I daresay it was costly, but in my opinion, it was worth every penny. He cannot say you wasted his blunt.”

“I don’t think Jethro was saying anything of the kind,” she said, rising to her husband’s defence.

“I am glad that I have the resources to indulge your whims, my dear. You need not fear the cost on my account.”

“Ha! He tries to soften his words, but the truth is obvious. He begrudges the expense.”

Cassandra glared at her brother. Why was he so set on provoking Jethro?