Page 75 of An Accidental Marriage

But her eyes were faster than her conscience as her gaze swept down the paper.

I am sorry to say this, Mother, but I cannot do this any longer. My marriage to Marie is a farce. I should like to be clear and honest with you by letting you know that we are seeking an annulment. She and I have nothing in common, and this is the only way for us to find true happiness—by being apart.

The words blurred together as Marie’s eyes filled with tears. This couldn’t be. She had to have imagined what she’d read. Charles had to be speaking of something else.

And yet, her name in his writing was clear—as clear as his desire to still end their marriage.

But how could that be so? What of the moments they shared, the way he’d looked at her in bed only last night? The kind words he’d spoken and the connection they’d made? She couldn’t have imagined it all.

And yet, as she read Charles’s words again, her cheeks flamed. How foolish she’d been to have had even the smallest hope that Charles would remain with her by choice. Of course he would choose his freedom. What person wouldn’t?

Drying her eyes, she steeled herself against any remaining emotion. There would be no place for the shedding of tears this evening. She had to attend the ball and keep up appearances one final time.

Tonight, she would be Immovable Marie Oakley again...instead of brokenhearted Marie Shepherd.

Chapter Twenty-Three

The entryway filled swiftly with guests as Charles and his parents welcomed the attendees of the ball. Though he spoke with each individual who passed him by, his attention was fixed to the top of the stairs.

Marie had yet to make her appearance, and her tardiness was beginning to worry Charles. Had something happened to prevent her from joining them earlier? Was she in need of his service of some sort?

Just before he could convince himself to check on her, she appeared at the top of the stairs, and the breath was snatched from Charles’s lungs.

Marie’s pink skirts fluttered about her legs as she walked down each step, the color of the gown matching the shade of her cheeks. Her dark hair was sprinkled with pearls, and her graceful, gloved hand trailed down the banister with gentility.

She was stunning. But then, Marie was always stunning.

“Are you ever going to tell me how your time at the cottage went?” Mother asked beside him, staring up at Marie, as well.

“After tonight, I won’t have to,” he said enigmatically.

Mother’s eyes shone with delight. “Oh, Charles. I cannot express how delighted I am to hear that. Especially after...after I...” She trailed off. “I am so sorry for how all of this came about.”

Charles smiled, despite himself. Her apology was welcome and accepted, but he realized he didn’t need it any longer. “You aren’t sorry, Mother.”

She pulled back.

“How can you be,” he began, “when it ended precisely how you wished it to?”

She fought off a smile for as long as possible before patting his cheek with affection.

More guests arrived, but Charles slipped away from the welcoming line, making directly for Marie.

Her eyes had yet to meet his as she reached the bottom step, but when he stood before her, their gazes finally met.

Instantly, he frowned.

“Are you well?” he asked, noting the red in her eyes that hinted at past tears.

“Yes,” she said, pulling on a static smile. “You are looking very fine this evening, Mr. Shepherd.”

Charles wasn’t buying the act for a moment. “What is it?”

She glanced around them, as if keenly aware of the eyes upon them. “Nothing. I am merely tired from all of our traveling today.” She nodded at a passerby. “I understand Mr. Page arrived just before the ball.”

Charles hesitated. He had no intention of declaring his love for the woman right there in the center of Grendale’s entryway, nor did he wish to be rejected in the same location.

But Marie had the right to know the truth about their annulment as much as she had the right to know of his feelings for her.