by Wolf, Bree
As they moved to the music in line with the other couples, Robert could not keep his eyes off Isabella, at the same time noticing that she in turn didn’t dare look at him. “My brother tells me you read a lot.”
“I do, yes,” she whispered; her eyes, however, remained cast down.
“What do you read?” he asked, desperately trying to make her talk while keeping his feet in time to the music. Nothing in his life had ever been more challenging.
“History mostly.”
Had he misjudged her? Robert wondered. Was she a timid wallflower after all? Why would she not look at him?
“So does Charles,” he mumbled, realising for the first time that his brother might have chosen well after all. Had his heart so deceived him? However, he could still feel the flame her touch had ignited burn strongly within him. Was he going mad?
“Yes, he does.”
“Well,…,” he all but stammered, grasping at straws. “I have never been fond of books my-self,” he admitted. “They paint a rather empty picture of the world. I always prefer to see these place with my own eyes.”
Unexpectedly, her gaze shifted from somewhere beyond his shoulder and focused on his face. “You travel, my lord?” she breathed, a tentative smile lighting up her beautiful features. “Out-outside of England?”
Delighted with her sudden interest, Robert nodded. “Mostly, yes. I’ve spent my youth in England−due to my father’s wishes−but now, I want to see the world.” As he watched the pulse in her neck quicken, Robert felt his own join the rhythm hers had set.
As though out of breath, she beamed at him, a sparkle in her eyes he had not seen before. “Where have you travelled?”
Exhaling slowly, Robert smiled. “Countless places, and yet, there are still so many I need to see. I want to see the Chinese Wall, the canals of Venice, the stone city of Petra in Jordan, the Egyptian pyramids−”
“The pyramids,” she gasped, awe shining in her eyes. “I’ve always wanted to see them.”
“I’m sure they would love for you to visit.” Transfixed by the passion lurking just beneath the surface, Robert barely noticed that the music stopped.
Offering her his arm, he led her to the refreshment table. Although she still seemed a little shaken, her earlier shyness had vanished. “So, you do not intend to stay at Bridgemoore?” she asked, accepting a glass of wine from him.
“No, I merely came to see my brother married,” he admitted, almost forgetting to whom he was speaking. As though mirroring his own feelings, she averted her eyes at his words, a slight blush colouring her cheeks.
“I am certain he will be sorry to see you leave so soon,” she mumbled, hopeful eyes glancing back up into his.
“Maybe I can extend my stay,” he whispered, feeling the blood boil in his veins. What was he doing? She was his brother’s wife! How could he betray him?
“Ah, there you are.” At Charles’ voice, Isabella flinched just as much as Robert did himself, and more guilt seeped into his heart. What was he doing to her? Did she feel the same way? Had he stolen her heart as she had stolen his? A heart that now by all rights belonged to his brother?
Slapping him on the back, Charles laughed. “I see you have not completely forgotten Mr. Punham’s instructions! Although I did catch you stumble here and there.”
Charles had watched them dance? Robert thought, an iron fist squeezing his heart. If he had seen him stumble, had he also seen…? Seen what? They had only talked. Nothing had happened. Yet, Robert’s heart knew this to be a lie.
***
This ought to have been the happiest day of her life, Isabella thought, watching her new husband from across the room. Instead, guilt and a feeling of utter hopelessness tormented her heart and soul.
As she watched him laughing and jesting with friends he had known since his school days at Eton, her heart sank. He was such a wonderful man! He had so many endearing qualities, which truly made him her perfect match!
Then why couldn’t she stop herself from scanning the crowd for his brother?
“Looking for someone?”
Startled, Isabella spun around and found herself mesmerised by the same hazel eyes that had smiled at her only a moment ago from across the room. Only these eyes held something deeper, something she could not quite name. As they stared into hers, the breath caught in her throat, and she reached out for the wall beside her in order to steady herself.
“Are you all right?” Robert asked, extending a hand to offer support. However, before his hand touched her elbow, he thought better of it. “Should I fetch Charles?”
“No.” Isabella shook her head, afraid to meet his eyes. “I am fine. It’s just…the excitement.”
A smile playing on his lips, he leaned a shoulder against the wall, his head slightly angled toward hers. “Charles truly knows how to throw a party like no one else does.”
Understanding his statement for what it was, Isabella laughed, feeling the tension in her shoulders subside. “He would prefer a good book, I am sure.”
“He would,” Robert agreed, and the smile slowly slid off his face as his eyes looked into hers. “He is a good man and a wonderful brother. Despite my…shortcomings, he has always looked out for me. He has always protected me even when I couldn’t appreciate it at the time.”
Isabella nodded. “He is loyal. He would never break a promise once given.” Tears formed in the corners of her eyes, and she took a deep breath.
An anguished expression came to his face as he watched her. “Isabella, I…”
Fighting the sob rising in her throat, Isabella swallowed and for a second closed her eyes. When she opened them again, a single tear spilled over and ran down her cheek.
As though he had no control over his limbs, Robert’s hand reached toward her face. Gently cupping her cheek, his thumb skimmed over her skin, brushing away the tear.
For a moment, his hand lingered, and Isabella held her breath.
Then, as though slapped, he withdrew it, nervously glancing around. “I apologise. I shouldn’t have done that.” Shaking his head, he looked at her. “I should go before…” Nevertheless, he stayed. His feet didn’t move, and neither did his eyes leave her face. “Charles is lucky to have found you.” Gritting his teeth, he took a slow and painful breath. “I am certain you will find him a good husband, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.” He slightly bowed his head at her, a longing smile flashing over his face before he turned and walked away.
Forcing herself to remain where she was, Isabella stared after him as her heart broke into a million pieces with each step he took.
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