Chapter 166

Vermont, three days later

For the rest of the week, time had hung heavy on Ava's hands with nothing to give her relief, not even showers of motherly affection and words of comfort from Lady Byrne. Until the indefinite, agonizing wait eventually ended one fine afternoon, as abruptly and unexpectedly as it had begun. She was having her tea alone in the sitting room when she heard clatter of hooves from the drive, followed by the echo of footsteps in the corridor as the servant hurried to the front door.

Setting her cup carelessly on the table, Ava stood up rightaway and hurried out of the room.

It's time for her thoughtless husband to explain the reason of his sudden departure and his failure to inform her properly about it. Oh, he better has a good one, because she won't let him get away with this so easily.

With an angry swoosh of her skirt, she took a brisk, determ