He smiled a little sardonically and I knew he was aware of what I'd been thinking. Perhaps he had even phrased his comment with such an idea in mind. I decided to carry the war into his camp. 

 'You must forgive me, my lord. I have been under some considerable strain, lately.'

 'I'm sorry to hear that.'

 'Yes. The truth is that I am finding it increasingly difficult to support the role of your wife. As time goes on I understand less and less of what you are about and, honestly, Cotleigh is my home now, yet I am afraid to grow too fond of anything surrounding it, lest you should take it away.'

 The tactic had worked. He was staring into his brandy glass. 

 'I can see that might be a strain. I can only assure you that it...

Please subscribe to keep reading.