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She had only ever had one lover There had only ever been onewith hiiven herself to her husband on numerous occasions But that was not love It a more than one’s duty

Straightening her spine, she decided it was best to be blunt “You are the only man I would class as such A lover is someone who rouses an ardent passion, someone hom you share a deep eruntlement “So no, Tristan Whilst I did my duty by my husband, other than you, there has been no one else”

He pushed his hand through his slightly dah the motion would ease the tense expression on his face “What … what happened between us … youto me”

“Did it?” Her tone carried a hint of reproof He wanted honesty, and she would give it to him “Hoould I know that?”

Pain flashed briefly in his eyes “We were in love It was inevitable ould find a way to express all we felt, all we meant to one another”

Did he not know that his words cut her to the bone? To remind her of what she had lost was akin to torture

Thankfully, Mrs Birch appeared at the top of the stairs She cleared her throat and offered a curtsy “I’ve prepared a light repast, my lady, a broth to warht out in weather such as this”

Isabella forced a s a response While her body was in the present, her ered in the past “Yes Thank you, Mrs Birch We will be right down”

Mrs Birch nodded and made a hasty retreat

“Coo and eat” He waved his hand for her to lead the way “We can continue our discussion downstairs, though there are certain questions you should not answer unless we can ensure absolute privacy”

He sounded serious, so sober She preferred his tone playful, teasing, brih they re rooested he was deep in thought

They chose to sit at the far end of the table, in the seats closest to the fire Other than passing pleasantries (aabove the fireplace, their predictions of how long it would be before the rain stopped) they ate their meal in silence She watched hiolden hair that fell to cover his brow, averted her gaze whenever he looked up

“You said you wanted to knons Highley Grange” She could not continue to stare at hi “What made you think that I do not?”

He used his napkin to dab at the corners of hisJacob said”

“Jacob? What … what did he say?”