Her eyes rose to his. "Yes."
The single word struck him harder than any accusation.
"I am sorry."
She studied him in silence. The press thudded beyond the wall.
"Do you know what hurt most?" she asked.
Julian shook his head.
"Not that you wanted the workshop sold. Not even the money. It was that you believed I could be purchased so cheaply after eighteen months of marriage."
He reached toward her, then let his hand fall. "I never intended—"
"I know." Her voice softened, which somehow made the distance between them greater. "You never intended to know me well enough to understand what you were asking."
Julian looked toward the books arranged along the shelves. "I would like to change that."
Eleanor's fingers rested on the worktable. "Because you have discovered I was right?"
"Because I have discovered how little I listened."
She turned away, blinking once before he could see the tears gathering. "Then begin by listening now. I am not coming home simply because you regret what happened."
Julian stood very still. "What would you have me do?"
"Nothing for which you expect my return as payment."
He lowered his eyes. "I understand."
"I hope you will." She opened the account book, though her hands were not quite steady. "I have work to finish, Julian."
He bowed his head and walked toward the door.
His horse waited outside beneath the awning, its dark coat shining with rain. Julian had just taken the reins when his secretary arrived on a hired horse, carrying a sealed message from Ashkam Hall.
"Your Grace, this came from Mr. Grant's solicitor. He requires an answer by noon tomorrow."
Julian broke the seal. The solicitor demanded confirmation of the sale or return of the deposit, together with consideration of any recoverable expenses. Julian read the letter twice. Then he noticed the final paragraph, which referred to a separate undertaking allegedly given by Lady Margaret concerning the road. His mother had not merely promised Eleanor's consent; she had promised something in writing, and Julian had until noon to discover exactly what.
Julian folded the solicitor's letter and handed his reins to the secretary. "Ride back to Ashkam Hall. Tell my mother I require every document she signed concerning Grant. Every document, mind you. And ask Mr. Bell to meet me in my study."