“Then you’re giving up just when the need to fight has reached its peak.” He clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. “That’s not the sort of woman I thought you were.”
Anger slashed through her chest. “Then we’ve apparently both been wrong about me.” Isobel waved a hand as the heat of embarrassment renewed itself in her cheeks and confusion once more took hold of her mind. “Leave me alone, Trey. I’ve grown weary of examining the contents of my brain when there is nothing worth considering there.”
Yet his questions and words continued to ring in the silence.
“Very well.” He stood and then dropped his hand on her shoulder, squeezing in comfort. Compassion filled his eyes as he looked at her. “If I may offer a suggestion? The answer is relatively simple once you get out of your own way, Miss Storme.”
“I’ve stood there for longer than I care to admit, Mr. Marsden. Any sort of change is difficult for me. I am a Storme, after all, and perhaps in that I’m cursed.”
Nothing in the family line was easy.
*
“Isobel?”
She came awake to the doctor’s hand on her shoulder and his voice, filled with concern, ringing in her ear. “Royce!” The light in the room had shifted to the other side in an indication that it was late afternoon, and the rumbling in her belly proclaimed it teatime. “I’m glad to see you.” Heat went through her cheeks as she struggled into a sitting position on the bed. “I must have cried myself to sleep.” It was embarrassing to admit, but he’d see that evident on her face regardless.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you needed me.” He took her hand and once he’d pulled her to her feet, he took her into his arms and held her tightly. “You have my condolences on your mother’s passing.”
“You’re here now.” His clothing muffled her words. She let herself fall into his quiet strength. “I’m so lost, Royce.” The tears began anew, for talking with Trey had slightly clarified her confusion. It had happened so slowly she hadn’t been aware, but she was falling in love with the doctor, a man she had no business attaching herself to, for her very presence in his life would damage his chances in every aspect. “So lost.” What would she do if he left too?
But how could he not if he had any sense?
“Thing will grow better. Not with time, but you’ll learn to live with the grief, make room for it, if you will.”
“It seems I’m grieving for many things just now,” she whispered and pulled back enough that she could peer into his face despite her tears. “So many decisions to make.” Not only concerning her mother’s last wishes.
“How well I understand that struggle.” Did he refer to their complicated relationship? She lacked the courage to ask. Instead of offering words of comfort, he moved a hand to cup her cheek and then claimed her lips in such a tender kiss that her tears fell all the harder. When the embrace ended, he set her at arm’s length. “I noticed your carriage outside. Let’s get you home. You need your family around you at this time.”
I need you, Royce.
But she didn’t say it aloud, and he didn’t suggest he’d stand by her during the bereavement period or that she had a place next to him beyond that… even if she’d want him now that he was an earl. An ache set up around her heart, squeezing until it stole her ability to breathe. For the first time she regretted her penchant for chasing scandal, yet if she hadn’t, she would never have known Royce like she did.
With a sigh she followed him out of the office. She’d give anything to stop time at that one perfect night she’d spent with him in that very room, when life’s responsibilities had no bearing.
What am I to do now?