Temper flared in Robert's blue eyes. "Then I cannot fathom why you didn't do so, because it's clear you want her here, and even clearer that you need her here. You're just too stubborn to admit it. Whatever problems you're having, you cannot solve them if you're apart."
"Indeed?" Austin said in a deadly calm tone. "And when did you become an expert in marital relations- mine specifically?"
"I'm not. But I know you. I saw how you were with her. I saw how you looked at her. Whether you want to admit it or not, I know you care about her. Hell, let's just say it. You love her. And you're ill-tempered, unhappy, and damn near impossible to be around without her."
Pain and anger scissored through Austin, but he forced his features to remain blank. "You've clearly mistaken my feelings and mood Robert. I am not unhappy, I am busy. I'm responsible for six estates and there is a great deal of work that requires my attention."
Robert made a disgusted sound. "Then you clearly don't know the difference between busy and unhappy."
Austin turned a frosty glare on his brother. "I know the difference." Believe me, I know. "I will not tolerate this interference in my marriage. Is that clear?"
"Perfectly." He went on as if Austin hadn't spoken. "What has Elizabeth done to anger you so? Surely, whatever it is, you can forgive her for it. I cannot believe she would intentionally hurt you."
She intentionally ripped out my heart and showed herself for a calculating schemer. Pushing himself away from his desk, Austin said in a deceptively mild tone, "I think it would be best, and certainly much smarter, if you ceased expressing opinions on subjects you know nothing about."
"Elizabeth is wretchedly unhappy."
His insides involuntarily pinched but he ruthlessly pushed his sympathy aside. "I cannot imagine why. She is, after all, a duchess. She lacks for nothing."
"Except for a relationship with her husband."
"You forget that our marriage was one of convenience."
"Perhaps it started out that way, but you fell in love with her. And she with you."
If only that were true. "Enough. Stop worrying about Elizabeth and me and turn your energies toward more productive endeavors. Why don't you find yourself a mistress? Concentrate on your own life instead of plaguing mine."
Robert's brows raised. "Is that what you've done? Found yourself a mistress?"
Austin barely managed to swallow the bitter laugh pushing at the back of his throat. He couldn't imagine touching another woman. Before he could issue a retort, Robert continued "Because if you have, then you're a bigger fool than I thought. Why you would want another woman when you could have Elizabeth is beyond me."
"Has it not occurred to you that perhaps Elizabeth does not want my attentions?" He forced the question past his lips.
A bark of incredulous laughter escaped Robert. "Is that what this is about? You think Elizabeth doesn't want you? Good God Austin, you're either an idiot or you've gone daft. The woman adores you. A blind man could see that."
"You're wrong."
Robert's eyes turned troubled. "You're throwing away happiness with both hands, Austin. I hate to see you do that."
"Your concern has been duly noted. Now, this discussion is over." When it appeared Robert was about to argue, Austin added "Permanently over. Is that understood?"
Robert huffed out a clearly frustrated breath. "Yes."
"Good. I cannot ask you to leave now, but I shall expect you and this houseful of company you brought here to depart by tomorrow afternoon. And until then, you will keep them occupied and out of my way."
Without another word Austin quit the room, resisting an almost violent urge to slam the door.
She was here. In his house.
He didn't want her here. He didn't want to see her.
God help him, how was he going to manage to stay away from her for the next twenty-four hours?
Chapter 20
Late that afternoon, Austin stood alone in his private study, staring out the window, seeing nothing. When a knock sounded on the door, his hands clenched. If it was her-
He cut off the thought. "Come in."
Caroline entered the room. "May I speak with you?"
He forced himself to offer her a smile. "Of course. Please sit down."
"I'd prefer to stand."
He raised his brows at her militant tone. "All right. What did you wish to speak to me about?"
Clasping her hands in front of her, she drew a deep breath. "I'll start by saying that as my brother, I hold you in the greatest esteem and affection."
A tired smile tugged at his lips. "Thank you, Caroline. I-"
"But you're a complete nincompoop." Annoyance wiped the smile from his lips. "I beg your pardon?"
"Did you not hear me? I said you're a-"
"I heard you."
"Excellent. Would you like to hear why you're a nincompoop?"
"Not particularly, but I'm certain you're going to tell me anyway."
"Yes, I am. I am referring to this situation with Elizabeth."
His jaw clenched. "Situation?"
Blue eyes flashing, she said "Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. What have you done to her?"
"What makes you think I've done anything to her?" "She's miserable."
"So everyone is determined to tell me."
She sent him a searching gaze. "I cannot fathom this icy indifference. I thought you two were so well suited but she is clearly unhappy, and you're stalking about like a bear with a thorn in its paw. I've never known you to treat a woman, even the most annoying woman, with anything but the most respectful manner. Yet you're treating your wife as if she doesn't exist."
She doesn't. The woman I fell in love with doesn't really exist.
"Austin." Reaching up, she laid her palm against his cheek, tenderness replacing all vestiges of anger in her eyes. "You cannot allow this unhappiness to continue. It is obvious to me that you care deeply for her, and she for you. Please, search your heart and find a way to solve whatever problems you and Elizabeth are having. Now. Before it's too late. I want you to be happy, and the pain I see in your eyes tells me you're not. But you were. And it was because of Elizabeth."
Her tender words curled around his heart and squeezed like a vise. Yes, he'd been happy. For a very brief time. But it had been based on an illusion. And while he appreciated Caroline's concern, he'd had more than enough of first Robert, and now her, interfering in his life.
They were not aware of the circumstances, and he'd be damned if he'd tell them, or anyone else, that his wife wished to dissolve their marriage. Not until it became absolutely necessary. If it turned out that Elizabeth was pregnant, they would have to make the best of their marriage.
A knock sounded. "Come in."
His mother entered. "Am I interrupting?"
"Not at all." He stared pointedly at the door. "Caroline was just leaving."
"Excellent. The coach is awaiting us for our ride through the park, Caroline. I'll join you in just a moment. I need to speak with Austin."
Caroline closed the door softly behind her. Austin propped one hip on his desk and regarded his mother. "Are you here to call me names, too?"
Her eyes widened. "Names?"
"My siblings have seen fit to call me a fool, an idiot, and my favorite, a nincompoop."
"I see."
"I'm gratified that at least my mother is above name-calling."
"Naturally. Of course, if you weren't already laid so low, I might be tempted to label you a pinheaded dolt, but under the circumstances, I'd prefer merely to tell you that it hurts me to see you, and Elizabeth, so unhappy." She took his hand between her own and squeezed it. "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Bloody hell, he preferred the name-calling to this tender, warm concern.