Even in the shadows, Emily could see what looked like regret on Chase’s face. “I never meant for that to happen.”

“I counted on our marriage,” Cassie continued. “My children…”

“I counted on it too. I hope you know, I never meant to hurt you. If you let me, I’ll make it up to you.”

Cassie dabbed her eyes with his handkerchief. “That’s not necessary.”

“I insist,” he said. “I’m not one to back out of my promises.” Emily couldn’t hear what he said next, but then he spoke louder. “Could you meet me in town on Friday?”

“I told you that wasn’t necessary—” The last of her sentence was drowned out by a whinnying horse, and Emily failed to hear the next exchanged words.

Watching them, Emily chewed on a fingernail. Less than two days after they’d wed, Chase was already planning to rendezvous with another woman. Emily knew it shouldn’t bother her. There was no reason for it to. What she had with Chase was a business arrangement, nothing more. Still, watching Chase and Mrs. Decker made her feel rejected and even more alone.

Cassie handed Chase his handkerchief, and he pulled his arm away from her.

“Friday,” she said and turned.

Cassie’s sun-battered skin and callused hands would be frowned upon in Boston, but they only added to Emily’s guilt. Her unfortunate marriage had deprived the poor, hardworking woman and her children of a better life.

Emily stepped in her path, intent on apologizing. But before she could get a word out, Cassie darted around her with an icy glare and stormed out of the barn.

Emily felt bad for the woman and didn’t blame Chase for wanting to do something to make amends. Still, for some unknown reason, his concern for another woman made Emily feel like an afterthought and even more alone.

After the scene with Cassie, she wouldn’t blame Chase if he decided to cancel her lesson. If anything, she’d be grateful.

Instead, he gave his pocket watch a quick glance. “You’re late.”

Emily gaped at him a moment before finding her voice. “Late?” How could anyone be late so early in the morning? “It’s only a little after seven. In any case, you appeared to have been occupied.”

His dark expression told her he had no intention of discussing Mrs. Decker. “Like I said, late.” He slipped his watch back into his pocket. “Things are done early around here. On account of the heat.” He stalked past her with long, purposeful steps. “Follow me,” he ordered in a clipped voice.

She stared after him. He’d made no mention of her attire. He might rue the day they had wed, but that was no excuse for him to take his frustrations out on her. He was equally at fault for what had happened. “Well?”

Chase stopped and turned, his stance wide as if to claim as much space as possible. Even in the dim light, it was hard not to notice his broad shoulders or even how his wide chest tapered to a narrow waist and slim hips. “Well, what?”