Page 21 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"Regrets already?" Lord Blackthorn asked.

"Should I have them?"

"Most brides do, I'm told. Though most brides have longer than five days to prepare."

"Most brides also marry for love."

"Yes," he agreed quietly. "They do."

***

The journey continued in silence broken only by the rhythm of wheels and Thistle's occasional commentary on passing sheep. The mist had burned away, revealing a gloriously sunny day that seemed to mock the somber mood in the carriage.

"Tell me about Blackthorn Manor," Arabella said finally, unable to bear the silence any longer.

"What would you like to know?"

"Everything. If it's to be my home, I should know something about it."

He considered this. "It's old. Parts date back to the Tudors, though most was rebuilt in my grandfather's time. There are forty-three rooms, though many are closed up. The east wing, where your chambers are, was my mother's. It has the best views of the gardens."

"Gardens?"

"Rose gardens, primarily. My mother loved roses." His voice carried an unexpected softness. "They've been somewhat neglected since... recently. Perhaps you might take an interest."

"I know nothing about roses."

"Neither did she, at first. She learned."

"And your father?"

"Dead these fifteen years. Hunting accident." His tone suggested this topic was closed.

"I'm sorry."

"It was a long time ago."

More silence. Arabella searched for safe topics, finally settling on, "Mr. Ashford seems nice."

"Julian is many things. Nice isn't usually the first that comes to mind."

"He called me brave for marrying you."

"Did he?" Lord Blackthorn's mouth twitched. "How flattering for us both."

"He also started to call you the Beast before catching himself."

"Ah." The almost-smile disappeared. "Yes, that charming sobriquet has quite taken hold, hasn't it?"

"Does it bother you?"

"Should it? It keeps people at a distance. I find that useful."

"Is that what you want? Distance?"

He looked at her then, really looked at her, and for a moment she thought he might say something real, something that wasn't wrapped in protective layers of sarcasm and indifference.

"It's what I've chosen," he said finally.