"And how did that proceed?"
"As expected."
Henry studied him for a second.
"That tells me very little. Did you speak with her at all?"
"Yes. At least, I am certain that I did at some point."
"And?"
"There was nothing of consequence to discuss."
Henry let out a quiet breath, and Julian wondered if his jealousy of the other gentleman was obvious.
"You are either being deliberately vague, or you are convincing yourself that nothing is happening when it plainly is. Which is it?"
Julian did not answer at once. Instead, he moved toward the desk, his hand resting lightly against its surface as though the contact grounded him.
"She has done exactly what I required."
"And that would be?"
"She has removed her expectation."
Henry’s expression shifted slightly.
"And do you find that satisfactory?"
"It is necessary. It resolves the matter of us not complicating matters more than they need to be."
Henry stepped closer, not confrontational, but unwilling to let the answer stand as it was.
"Does it?"
"Yes."
Henry considered him for a moment.
"Then why do you look as though something has gone wrong?"
Julian did not know what to say to that, though he wondered whether Henry was extremely perceptive or he simply was not hiding how he felt as well as he thought he was.
"She does not seek me out," he said at last.
Henry raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You told her not to. She mentioned as much in her invitation."
"That is not the point."
"Then what is the point?"
"The deal has been immediately acted upon by both of us."
Henry gave a short nod.
"Did you expect resistance?"