“I already told you. Everything about my future will likely hinge on a legal battle, but it’s not only my future or my sister’s or even the castle’s. This estate is the biggest employer in the region. The entire economy of Northland depends on the tourism, the farming, the businesses propped up by the dukedom. If that disappeared it would destabilise the entire region. Thousands of people would face unemployment and thousands of acres of conservation land could be subject to development. Corporate ownership of . . . well, everything. A lot of people around here don’t always agree with how my family handles land and contracts, but they can petition us. We serve them. No multinational business based in Stockholm or Bejing would—”

“Right, right,” Sophia cut in. “You have a well-established sense of responsibility. Can you skip to the part about what all that has to do with you marrying a man you didn’t love?”

The words hit her like a punch to the stomach, and she sucked in a sharp breath.

“There.” Sophia snapped her fingers. “That reaction. Where does that come from?”

“I did love him,” Victoria said with more fervour. “I might not have been in love with him, but I trusted him. I shared my dreams and fears and insecurities with him, and he stood beside me. He promised to fight for me, and with me. I loved him deeply for his loyalty.”

“Sounds like a great friend, but marriage is a big leap.”

“Too big, apparently,” she admitted, the prick of sadness overtaking the shame once more. “I was naïve. I believed friendship, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose could overcome a lack of passion. We could meet all of each other’s needs but one.”

“Let me guess. That one particular need undid all the others?”

She nodded and took the glass back again. She didn’t even taste the gin anymore, but she longed for its warmth.

“So, you had an arrangement? You both got what you needed on the side and—”

She shook her head quickly. “Not both of us. I made vows in a church, in front of my family, in front of our entire community. I never once broke those. Not in body or even spirit. I didn’t look at a woman for three years.”

Sophia blew out a long, slow breath. “Wow, I thought I was goal-oriented. That’s impressive. Let me guess. Ol’ Robby didn’t have your fortitude?”