“You are welcome to leave,” he suggested. “Obviously my return offended you.”

Tears glimmered in her eyes, and softly, she replied, “You have no idea what I’ve been through. I thought I’d never see you again.”

She dipped the cool cloth back into the basin, wringing out the water. Then she set it upon his forehead, her hand grazing his cheek. The gesture was completely at odds with her sharp words.

“You’re not my wife.”

She crossed her arms over her chest, drawing his gaze toward her silhouette. A bit on the thin side, but the soft curve of her breasts caught his eye. The top button of her gown had come loose, revealing a forbidden glimpse of skin.

“Yes, I am.” She lowered her arms, gathering her courage as she stared at him. But her full lips parted, her shoulders rising and falling with a quickening breath. The fallen strand of golden hair rested against the black serge.

She’d never been able to tame her hair, even as a girl. He’d helped her with hairpins on more than one occasion, to help her avoid a scolding.

Now the task took on an intimacy, one more suited to a husband. Had he truly married her? Had he unbuttoned her gowns, tasting the silk of her skin? From the way she drew back, he didn’t think so.

“I want to see a doctor,” he said, changing the subject.

“Dr. Parsons examined you last night. I’m to change your bandages and keep the wound clean. He’ll return tomorrow.” She lifted the lip of the teacup to his mouth again, but he didn’t drink.

The porcelain clattered, revealing her shaking hands. Despite her bitterness, there was a look on her face that didn’t quite match her words. He caught a glimpse of something more…something lost and lonely.

He forced himself not to pity her. For God’s sakes, the woman had threatened to kill him.

At last, she gave up and set the cup down. “I didn’t poison this cup,” she said with reluctance. “There wasn’t any arsenic to be had.”

“Laudanum would work,” he advised. “In large doses.” Though why he was offering suggestions, he didn’t know.

“I’ll remember that for next time.” Color stained her cheeks, but she didn’t smile.

“Why did I marry you?” he asked softly.

She picked up the tray containing the teapot and cup. “You should rest for a while. I’ll be happy to answer your questions. Later, that is.”

“I want to know now. Sit down.”

She ignored him and moved toward the door. He might as well have been ordering a brick wall to sit. If the unthinkable had happened, if he really and truly had gone off and married her, one thing was certain. He had lost more than his memory.

He’d lost his mind.