a deep breath and turned her hand to clasp Abigail’s as though the other woman was a lifeline. She cast her new friend a quick look and saw nothing but sympathy there where there was normally nothing but disdain.
“So, it is definitely hopeless then?” Abigail asked.
Sarah let out a long weary sigh as she thought back to the way he’d shown that lack of trust and respect for a second time today. “Yes,” she said softly. “I’m afraid it is.”
13
Theo trudged through the snow, his glower ensuring the men around him left him a six-foot circle of solitude as they began to cut boughs from the evergreen trees on the property.
Which worked out well for him.
He didn’t wish to make small talk about the upcoming hunt, or the possibility of kisses stolen under the mistletoe.
He’d have preferred to stay back at the house and stare into a crackling fire as he considered just how this morning had gone so terribly wrong.
It was a beautiful holiday wrapped in a wedding. There could not be a more romantic setting and yet he’d managed to drive away the woman who’d finally broken through the walls he’d built around his heart.
He was a fool.
The word made him snort. All this talk of Sarah’s immaturity. Was he any better? He’d run from his feelings, hid behind his anger at Stallworth, and allowed himself to waffle in his decisions until he’d completely pushed her away.
Not that he had any assurance she’d ever return his feelings. But if he’d been more understanding, more trusting…
He blew warm air onto his cold hands as he straightened, casting his gaze about the group.
The only reason he’d come was standing two feet from Max. Mr. Stallworth had joined the party and he’d shadowed Max the entire trek out to the forest.
Theo didn’t have a clue what the other man was up to but he knew it was likely no good. Which was why he’d dragged himself out into the snow to cut boughs and mistletoe.
However angry Sarah was, whatever else she thought, he’d keep her safe. He might have misstepped but he’d always had her best interest at heart.
He was in love with her.
Which made this all so much more difficult. Because her telling him that she was too strong for a man who didn’t trust her to make good decisions both made him intensely proud and intensely hurt all in the same breath.
“My lord,” he heard Stallworth say to Max, his voice dropping low. “May I have a word?”
Theo dropped his hands, fists clenching at his sides. Stallworth had better tread very carefully or Theo would have a few choice words for him. More than a few.
Because though he’d understood Sarah’s irritation, he’d relish the opportunity to vent some of his own frustration.
Max gave Stallworth an easy smile. “Of course, Mr. Stallworth.”
Theo began moving closer. Slowly.
Because he didn’t want to spook Mr. Stallworth. In fact, he very much wanted to allow the man to dig his own grave.
“I’ve known your sister for some time now,” Mr. Stallworth began. “I admire her greatly.”
Max shifted to face Mr. Stallworth more fully. “Many do.”
Mr. Stallworth nodded. “I must confess that before I met my fiancée, I rather fancied her.”
Theo straightened. Where was Stallworth going with this? He’d brought up Miss Rathmore, which did not seem like the best way to try and win Max’s favor. But if not that, why would Stallworth seek out Max?
Max narrowed his gaze. “I’m sure Sarah would be pleased to know that she was your second choice.”
Theo nearly smiled. Stallworth was doing an excellent job digging his hole.
Stallworth glanced over at Theo, his lips thinning over his teeth.
Theo crossed his arms, smiling in return. Witnessing this conversation was even more enjoyable then he’d imagined. Despite everything that had happened today, at least he knew that the business with Stallworth and Sarah was over forever.
His smile turned to a grimace. The possibility of himself and Sarah was done as well. There is no us.
Stallworth cleared his throat. “Apologies, my lord. I did not mean that the way it sounded. Sarah would be no man’s second choice. She is a rare flower and—”
“And my sister is what exactly?” another voice bit out behind Theo. He turned to see the fiancée ’s brother, Jacob Rathmore, the Baron Clemons. Theo’s brows rose up. That man looked about as happy with Stallworth as Theo felt.
Clearly, he wasn’t the only man attempting to protect an innocent woman from Stallworth. Then Theo winced. But Miss