Her smile turned wry. “My mother would have been appalled. Fortunately I am not much like her. She was a wealthy socialite whose happiest function was deciding which parties to attend. I grew unaccustomed to a life of ease after my father’s passing. And truthfully, there is something quite satisfying about putting in a hard day’s labor. Certainly it makes me appreciate more the advantages I do have.”

Evan’s brows drew together in a frown. “Even so, I cannot imagine that you are truly happy here. You deserve better than this, Heather.”

She started to shrug and reply, “I am content”—and yet she wasn’t content. Ignoring his comment, therefore, Heather began setting out the tea things. “I never expected to see you in this part of Colorado.”

“I have business dealings in Denver, but in truth I came here out of concern for you.”

“Why should you be concerned?”

“I saw Richard Weld recently. He suggested you might be in need of assistance.”

Her frown conveyed her disappointment. “I never expected Richard to betray a confidence.”

“He did not, not in so many words. But he had promised to keep an eye out for you, and when I quizzed him about how you were faring, he told me you were seeking employment. I’ve come to offer my aid, Heather.”

“I am flattered, Evan, but there really was no need for you to go to such trouble.”

“Ah, but there was. I am greatly worried about you, my dear. I do not like to think of you struggling under such hardship … although in all honesty I cannot deny hoping you would come to regret your choice of husband.”

“Evan…” She said nothing further, but her tone implied how inappropriate she found the conversation, and how uncomfortable.

“I warned your Mr. McCord to see to your happiness, or he would answer to me. It seems he did not take me at my word.”

She glanced at Evan in surprise, but before she could reply, he leaned forward, eyeing her intently.

“Heather, I wish you to know that the offer I made you some months ago still stands.”

To hide her dismay, she averted her gaze. As she set the china cups and saucers on the table, she kept her answer carefully neutral. “Evan, I am a married woman. I would never contemplate committing adultery.”

He shook his head solemnly. “You quite mistake me. I would never ask you to. I would never be satisfied to have you merely as my mistress, nor would I ever insult you so. But there is such a thing as divorce.”

“Divorce?” She stared down at him.

“It would leave you free to wed again.”

Her lips parted but no sound came out.

“I still want you, Heather. As my wife. I want you to share my life.”

“You … cannot mean what you’re suggesting.”