For now. But what about when the ostracism began to occur, as it surely would? Sometimes openly, and at other times old friends would keep him at arm’s length or show their contempt by snubbing her in that oh-so-upper-class way Belinda had done? It would wear him down, it would wear anyone down, and sooner or later he would tire of having to constantly fight for his wife to be accepted in society. And their children; Edward marrying so far beneath him would affect them too. Besides which – Ruby drew in a long breath – she would not allow herself to be looked down on or patronized, which would cause further problems. She knew herself well enough to realize she would be incapable of not retaliating when she was slighted by people who thought themselves above her simply because of their family background and wealth. A marriage – any marriage – would falter under such strain, and then what? Would he seek solace by taking a mistress from his own class, someone like that awful woman tonight? It was part and parcel of how he had been brought up to think, after all. Or would he simply grow bitter and resentful and come to believe she had ruined his life?

‘A relationship between us is impossible,’ she said very quietly. ‘I’m sorry but I won’t change my mind about that.’

‘I’m not talking about a “relationship”, damn it, but a marriage. You would be my wife.’

‘That would be even more impossible.’

‘No, it would not. You’ve admitted to loving me and I would move heaven and earth for you.’

‘Love isn’t enough for either of us.’

He groaned in exasperation and before she had realized what he was going to do she found herself in his arms. The kiss wasn’t the gentle, warm caress she had always imagined it would be with Edward, nor did it resemble the sweet loving embraces she had once shared with Adam as a girl. This was raw passion such as she had never imagined and it called forth a response in her that was frightening in its abandonment. She was gasping for air when he finally raised his head and released her, and as he did so she fumbled with the handle on the car door and almost fell out onto the pavement.

She was fumbling with her key when he reached her, his voice desperate as he said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I never intended to do that. Don’t be frightened of me, please, Ruby. I lost control but it won’t happen again, I swear it. Look, let me come in a minute to talk, just talk, I promise.’

‘All the talking in the world won’t change how I feel.’

‘But let me try. Just try.’

‘It’s no good, Edward.’

‘But I love you.’

‘And I love you but that doesn’t change how I see the future.’