The Mystery at Falconbridge Hall by Maggi Andersen

Author:Maggi Andersen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romantic suspense, adventure, explorer, governess, marriage of convenience, viscount, victorian romance, mystery murder, romance 1890s, scientist hero
Publisher: Maggi Andersen

“I must say I didn’t expect you to turn into a bully.” Dismayed, Vanessa huffed out a breath. “I only wished to know why.”

“I’m sorry you think that of me,” he said stiffly. “Here comes Mrs. Manion, who has expressed a desire to meet you. For heaven’s sake smile and look as if it’s mutual.”

Stunned at him ordering her about in such a fashion, Vanessa fell silent as a gray-haired lady dressed in maroon silk with magnificent rubies at her breast and swinging from long ear lobes, approached. She made a poor attempt at smiling and walked forward to greet the lady.

As the evening progressed, Vanessa made a valiant effort to enjoy herself, but Julian’s authoritarian manner had soured her mood. During the carriage ride home, she studied his rigid profile. What had caused such unreasonable anger in her husband? It was so uncharacteristic she felt all at sea.

“Julian?”

He turned to look at her. “Yes?”

“Did you enjoy the evening?”

“I did. Did you?”

“Yes, until that business about Mr. Frobisher. I still don’t know why you turned into a tyrant.” She hoped he would rediscover his sense of humor which had certainly deserted him.

“A tyrant?” In the dark carriage, she couldn’t make out his expression, but she was sure he wasn’t smiling. “That’s an extravagant description. I hardly think it right.”

“You raised your voice to me. You ordered me about as if I were a child, or your servant.”

He frowned. “I doubt that, Vanessa. I would never exhibit such poor control over my emotions. You’re overreacting. I expect this has all been a strain. You’ll handle things better when you gain more experience of society.”

He was being insufferable! “I will never handle it, as you put it, if you continue to behave in such a manner. Surely, I did nothing to warrant it.”

There was a strained silence. Never had she had the courage to speak so. She was as shocked by this quarrel as he, but she refused to take the blame for it.

He sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, Vanessa. I apologize if I behaved badly. I had my reasons, and I suppose I hoped you would take me at my word without question.”

How neatly he batted the blame back at her! She bit down on the frustration at not being able to get the better of him in an argument. He had retreated into cool formality and didn’t sound at all sorry. He made no move toward her. She fiddled with her gloves and lapsed into silence.

The rest of the trip continued in moody silence. Regretful of her hasty words, she was still angered by the unfairness of it. She thought she’d acquitted herself well during the evening, and yet, not a word of praise or support had issued from his lips.

Unfortunately, another test loomed. A tennis party, another skill she lacked, had been arranged for the next Sunday after church. Would she be required to play?

The thought knocked the fight out of her.

The carriage drew up and Julian escorted her into the house.

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