And what if she happened upon Lord Rothburne? The marquess despised her.

No, that wasn’t right. She was nothing more than dust to him, something to be ignored and swept away. Only now, when she threatened his son’s future, was she a danger.

It chilled her to think of it. She didn’t fear her husband, but Lord Rothburne’s power was far greater than Stephen’s. If she attended the musicale, she would invoke his fury.

She dismissed her maid and sat down, touching the gown with her fingertips.

If only…

Stephen drummed his fingers against his thigh as the Yarrington daughters performed, one by one. He’d waited for over two hours, and there was still no sign of Emily.

He never should have agreed to go on without her. She’d claimed she needed more time to alter the gown he’d sent. Now it seemed she had no intention of coming.

He was barely aware of Miss Julia Yarrington’s rendition of Mozart’s Sonata in C upon the piano, to great applause. Beside him, Miss Hereford sent him a quiet smile. He didn’t return it. Though he would not humiliate her by avoiding her, he could not encourage her thoughts of marriage.

And what of his own? Emily claimed she’d wanted a new beginning. He’d invited her to attend, as a way of becoming better acquainted. Though she’d protested the event, he’d believed she would succumb to the temptation of a beautiful gown and an evening spent together.

Instead, she’d lied, remaining at home. This wasn’t the old Emily he was used to. She’d never been frightened of anything, a daredevil who had called him a coward when he wouldn’t climb upon the roof of her father’s house.

When had she changed? What had happened? He’d heard the whisperings about the family scandal surrounding her father’s death. But had that truly been enough to transform her?

The Yarrington sisters paused for a brief intermission, and he thought about returning home. He wanted to understand why she’d married him, why he’d married her.

What if he kept her as his wife? Could they make the most of their arrangement?

He rose from his chair, intending to find out. Before he could leave the room, the marquess blocked his path. “The evening has not yet concluded.” A threat underlined his father’s tone.

“I am aware of that,” Stephen said, keeping his voice low. “But I have decided to return home to my wife.”

“This impulsive wedding was a ridiculous idea. William would never have done something so foolish without thinking of the consequences.”

“You are right,” Stephen conceded. “William would have married any woman of your choosing.” His brother had been the perfect son, the perfect heir. Stephen was the disappointing spare.

His father suddenly brightened, his attention focused behind Stephen. “Miss Hereford. Are you enjoying yourself?”

The young woman blushed, lowering her eyes and dropping into a curtsy. “Yes, my lord. I am enjoying the evening very much.”