Whenever the earl or his wife addressed him, Robert would look up, forcing his eyes to ignore the vision sitting a mere arm’s length to his right. However, occasionally his determination would fail him, and he would steal a glance at his brother’s wife.
Her head bowed, eyes focused on her food, Isabella looked nothing like the radiant bride she should have been. Misery clung to her like a thick fog, and Robert couldn’t help but wonder why no one else noticed.
Happily chatting about their ride through the meadows bordering Bridgemoore to the north, Adriana seemed oblivious to her sister’s silent pain. Her eyes glowed, and she beamed at Robert in a way that he had not noticed before.
Possibly because his attention had been focused on her sister, instead.
As he looked at her now, he finally realised what was going on.
Adriana was trying to catch his eye.
Recounting their ride that morning, she solely seemed to address Robert, not her sister. Her eyes were focused on his, and she would occasionally avert them in a seemingly shy, yet calculated manner, only to raise them again a moment later, a dazzling smile on her face.
Robert took a deep breath. Why couldn’t he have fallen for Adriana?
Just like Isabella, she had her mother’s dark, exotic features. Her smiles, while calculated, seemed genuine and spoke of a kind heart. She was lively and attentive. Most importantly, however, she was available.
Could he come to care for her? Robert wondered. In so many ways, they were so much alike. And yet, when he looked into Adriana’s sparkling eyes, none of the overwhelming emotions flooded his heart that had swept him off his feet the moment he had seen Isabella. How could that be? He hardly knew either one of them. Why did Adriana not stir the same feelings in his heart that Isabella did?
As a war waged within himself, Robert hardly noticed how dinner passed. Did he eat at all? He could not be sure.
As soon as they rose from their seats, Adriana suggested they gather in the front parlour where the pianoforte stood. “I’ve brought some new sheet music,” she said, smiling up at him. “But you must promise that you will give your honest opinion, my lord.”
Robert nodded, forcing the corners of his mouth into a smile. “I certainly shall.”
Catching Isabella’s eye, he thought to detect a hint of displeasure before she focused her gaze back onto the floor.
Robert gritted his teeth, knowing only too well the surge of jealous rage that had almost overtaken him at the thought of her sharing his brother’s bed. Pushing the thought from his mind lest he do something he would regret later, he joined his guests in the parlour.
A delighted smile on her lips, Adriana looked at him, then took her seat behind the pianoforte and began to play.
Her fingers flew over the keys with grace, revealing her to be a refined musician. Clearly, her performance was meant to impress him as she frequently lifted her eyes off the new sheet music to look at him.
Forcing a smile on his face whenever she did was all he could do. His attention, however, was directed at the woman sitting beside him. Acutely aware of her scent, her slightly elevated breathing as well as the warmth radiating from her body, Robert swallowed, his hands balling into fists.
The second Adriana finished her first piece, Robert jumped to his feet. Assuring her in the most flourishing words what a talented musician she was, he quickly excused himself, stating that unexpected business needed his immediate attention.
Though disappointed, no one objected, and with a final bow, Robert almost ran from the room.
Once he reached the hall, he took a deep breath, feeling relief wash over him. Nevertheless, he dreaded every step that took him farther away from Isabella. What had she done to him? He shook his head, blindly running through the house, desperate for a place where he could calm his nerves.
Without attention to his surroundings, Robert was surprised when he once again found himself near the small back parlour. Sighing, he entered the room.
Staring at the window overlooking a corner of the rose garden, Robert could almost imagine Isabella standing beside him. He took a step forward and closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against the cool window pane. What was he to do?
Lifting his head, he crossed his arms, feeling his body tense as his mind and heart battled for supremacy. He knew what he wanted; what he could never have.
A desperate rage surged within him at the situation he found himself in, and before he knew it, an agonising groan rose from his lips. Of its own accord, his right arm pulled back, and his fist collided with the wall.
A blinding pain shot through his arm. Still, it was the sharp intake of air coming from the door that caught his attention and made him spin around.
Standing in the door frame was Isabella, a shocked expression on her beautiful face. “My lord, what are you doing?” she gasped, her eyes travelling back and forth between his face and his curled hand. Stepping toward him, she reached out her own, then seemed to think better of it and pulled it back. “I…is your hand hurt?”
Taking a deep breath, Robert couldn’t help the angry snort that escaped his lips. “It is not my hand that is hurt, my lady.”
At his words, she dropped her eyes to the floor, but not before he had seen a glimpse of understanding in them. “What are you doing here?” he whispered, trying to distract his thoughts from the intoxicating scent that threatened to cloud his mind. “I had thought you were with your family.”
“I was,” she answered, lifting her eyes to his. “But I couldn’t…I…I didn’t want to lie to them. I don’t want to pretend to be happy when I am not.” She shook her head as though unable to believe her own words. “But neither do I want them to know the truth.” Sighing, she stepped around him. “I thought I’d come here and read,” she said, picking up the book she had left on the settee earlier that morning. “I didn’t think you’d be here.”
Robert shrugged, absentmindedly stretching his fingers, enjoying the pain, hoping it somehow would offset the pain in his heart. “My feet led me here.” He closed his eyes for but a moment, and the dam broke. “I can’t stop thinking about you.”
Her eyes widened, and she swallowed. “You must not say such things, my lord,” she whispered, shaking her head. “It is not right.”
“I know,” he hissed, gritting his teeth. “After all, he is my brother.” As the pain spread into every fibre of his being, he stepped toward her, unable to hold himself back.
Again, she drew in a sharp breath, but her eyes shifted upward, finding his.
As his heart hammered in his chest, Robert reached out and cupped his hand to her face. Feeling the softness of her skin brush against his, his other arm came around her waist, pulling her closer.
All the while, Isabella stood as though frozen; however, she did not resist. Transfixed, her eyes gazed into his, and he could see the same struggle on her face that he felt in his heart. Her breath came in short gasps, and when his head slowly dipped lower, her eyes travelled to his lips.
As temptation urged him on, Robert’s insides twisted into knots. Knowing the betrayal he was committing, his mind screamed at him to stop, and yet, his heart only saw the love shining in Isabella’s eyes. How could he not?
A breath away from her lips, he stopped and swallowed. Closing his eyes, he rested his forehead against hers. As a shiver ran through her, he lifted his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have.” He took a step back, releasing his hold on her.
When his hand left her face, a sob escaped her lips, and she grasped his hand, looking up into his eyes. “Neither should I,” Isabella whispered, her fingers caressing the palm of his hand.
Almost holding his breath, Robert glanced down at their linked hands, and another surge of desire swept through him.
“There you are,” Charles spoke out from behind him.
Isabella flinched, and her eyes went wide, staring into his.
Instantly, Robert dropped her hand and took a step back. Forcing a smile on his fac
e, he turned to meet his brother’s eyes. “I see, you have returned. Is everything settled then?” As his pulse hammered in his veins, Robert stared at Charles, wondering if his brother suspected anything. How long had he been standing in the door?
“It is, yes,” Charles said, watchful eyes travelling from his brother to his wife.
Isabella stepped forward, a strained smile on her face. “I am pleased to hear that.”
For a second, Robert feared that all was lost, but then Charles held out his hand to his wife and once she’d taken it drew her arm through his. His hand cupping hers, he smiled at her. “I apologise for leaving you alone today.”
Seeing his brother’s hands on the woman he loved, Robert felt his muscles tense. Involuntarily, his hands balled into fists, and he had to grit his teeth to force down an agonising groan that threatened to rise from his throat. After all, his brother had every right to touch her; she was his wife.
Then Charles turned to him, brotherly affection shining in his eyes, and a new wave of guilt washed over Robert as though the skies had opened and soaked him through. “Thank you for keeping her company, Robert. I appreciate it.”
“You’re welcome,” he forced out, his jaw clenched. “It was my pleasure.”
“I trust he has made you feel welcome,” Charles asked his new bride, affection and warmth ringing in his voice.
Averting her eyes for but a second, Isabella tried to smile at her husband. “He has.”
“Good,” Charles said. “After all, we’re family now.”
As though someone had stabbed him in the heart, Robert felt a searing pain run through his body. Excusing himself, he hastened out of the room, ran down the corridor and left the house.
Saddling a random horse, he chased the sky across the meadows north of Bridgemoore. As the wind swept over his face, pulling on his hair, tears ran from his eyes, and for a split second, he thought to end it all, then and there.
After all, he was already in hell; what did he have to lose?
Chapter Nine − Unrequited Love
“Robert is a bit of a hot-head at times,” Charles explained as they strolled through the gardens, “but he has a good heart. Do not allow his rather rugged attire to fool you into believing him a lesser man.”
Drawing a deep breath, Isabella shook her head. “Of course not. After all, he is your brother, and I trust that you know him best.”
Stopping, Charles turned to her. A smile on his face, he gazed into her eyes. “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” he whispered, and Isabella’s stomach turned into knots. “I don’t believe I have.” He shook his head to clear it. “Well, then I’ll do it now.” Cupping his hands to her face, he looked at her with such deep devotion that Isabella felt her knees begin to shake. “I never noticed until this day−now that you’re my wife−how truly amazing you are. You shine, inside and out, and to be in your presence makes me feel alive like I have never felt before.”
Isabella swallowed, temporarily forgetting to smile. Not having expected such an affectionate speech, she felt a slight tingle run through her at his words. He truly was a wonderful man, and in that moment, Isabella knew that she could have loved him.
If it hadn’t been for Robert.
The slight tingle she felt at Charles’ profession of affection was nothing compared to the searing fire a mere look from Robert could set ablaze within her.
You’re married to the wrong brother, her mind whispered, and Isabella wanted to slap herself for having been so careless with regard to her heart’s desire. If she had only heeded her sister’s advice.
If only.
Closing her eyes for a moment, Isabella forced her attention back to the man before her. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for those beautiful words.”
A smile lifted the corners of his mouth. “You’re most welcome.”
Isabella took a deep breath. “However, I have to say that they surprise me.”
“They do?”
Isabella nodded. “Yes, especially after…my confession last night.” Averting her eyes, she looked out over the grassy plains before her. “Are you not angry with me? I thought you would be. What husband would not if his wife told him what I told you?”
When he remained silent, she lifted her eyes off the ground.
Neither anger nor disappointment showed on his face, and he drew her hands into his, smiling encouragingly. “When you accepted my proposal, neither one of us spoke of great love, did we?” Isabella shook her head. “You never promised me your heart, and now I have no right to complain.”
Isabella stared at him.
“Do not misunderstand me,” Charles continued. “I have no intention of seeing either one of us suffer in this marriage because of an unrequited love.” He smiled, brushing a strand of her dark tresses behind her ear. “Trust in me, Isabella, and I will show you that sometimes dreams do come true.”
A silent tear rolled down her cheek as she stared at the man she had married. She had never known that he held so much love and devotion in his heart. If only she could love him back!
“Let’s speak of this no more,” Charles interrupted her thoughts. “At least, not while your family is still here. And my brother.” Isabella felt a small stab in her heart at his reminder. “But before long, your family will return home and my brother will go…wherever the road leads him, and then we will have time to find our own way. All right?”
“All right.” Isabella nodded, feeling a lump settle in her throat at the thought of saying goodbye to Robert. And yet, there was no other way!
Strolling down the path toward the small pavilion in the rose garden, Isabella fought a rising panic at the thought of what awaited her down the road. What would her life be like, now that all of her priorities had shifted so unexpectedly?
As they walked around the corner to the small pavilion, to their surprise, they found it already occupied. “Adriana? What are you doing here?” Isabella asked. “I thought you were playing your music.”
The hint of a pout on her face, she sighed. “Well, I suppose I must play quite poorly considering that Lord Norwood as well as yourself almost fled the room.”
Stumped, Isabella began to stutter, acutely aware of her husband’s presence. “Well, I…You know, I simply…”
“This sounds like something personal among sisters,” Charles said smiling. “I’ll see you at supper.” He gave her a kiss on the forehead and then walked away.
Sitting down next to her sister, Isabella took a deep breath. “I apologise. I never meant to insult your playing in any way. It’s just…”
“You wanted to spend some time with your husband,” Adriana finished for her, a forgiving smile on her face. “Don’t worry. I understand. I was never truly angry with you. I suppose I was more disappointed that Lord Norwood…or Robert…do you think I can call him Robert? After all, we’re family now.”
“I suppose,” Isabella said, knowing exactly what Adriana was trying to say. All throughout dinner, she had observed her sister’s excitement whenever Robert had looked her way. She had seen the sparkle that had lit up her eyes and the charming smile she had used to draw his attention. It had taken all of Isabella’s willpower to remain in her seat, seemingly oblivious to what was playing out right before her eyes. “Do you care for him?” she asked, feeling the tension in her heart spread throughout her body.
Adriana grinned, and a slight blush coloured her cheeks. “He is quite dashing, wouldn’t you say?”
“I suppose so.”
“You do not mind, do you?” Adriana asked, narrowed eyes searching Isabella’s face.
Isabella swallowed, trying to smile. “Of course, not. Why would I?”
Adriana shrugged then shook her head. Once again, her face began to glow. “Imagine! If I were to marry him, then we could all live here together! Wouldn’t that be wonderful?” She laughed. “Two sisters married to two brothers. Fate plays a strange game sometimes, doesn’t it?”
“I suppose so,??
? was all Isabella could manage. The idea of her sister marrying Robert turned her stomach upside down. The thought, however, of them all living under the same roof was torture. Forced to see the man that she loved with her own sister day in and day out would surely drive her mad.
It sounded like her worst nightmare, and yet, Isabella couldn’t help but wonder if her sister’s hopes were justified. If Robert could not have her, would he ever consider marrying Adriana?
***
Brushing down his horse, Robert tried to clear his head.
“What am I to do?” he whispered to the brown mare, who continued to munch her oats, ignoring him completely.
Getting away from the manor, Robert had revelled in the race across the fields, feeling the wind in his face as though it could sweep away his troubled thoughts. His hair was a tangled mess, and his cheeks glowed with the chill that still clung to the air.
Although the thought to leave, to keep riding and not return, had been more than tempting, he knew he could not take the coward’s way out. His brother deserved more, and so did Isabella.
The door to the stables swung open, and a beam of light lit up the cobblestone path leading down to the box where Robert tended to his horse. Footsteps approached, and without turning his head, Robert knew who had come to pay him a visit.
“There you are,” his brother’s voice rang out behind him. “A part of me thought you would not return.” Stepping into the box, Charles came to stand on the other side of the mare. “Why will you not talk to me, Robert?”
Robert shrugged, keeping his eyes fixed on the mare’s coat. “Because there is nothing to talk about.”
“I thought we had already established that there was,” Charles objected. “I thought I’d asked you not to lie to me.”
“Fine!” Robert snapped, tossing the brush into the box by his feet. “Then let’s just say I don’t want to talk about it. Why can you not accept that? Believe me, you’re better off not knowing.” Biting his tongue, Robert stalked out of the box before he could say something he would regret later.