There was history between them, and Eleanor wanted to know just what that was, but it was not her place to question it, not within the terms of what she had agreed to. Her marriage did notgrant her that kind of access, that kind of claim over what had come before.
She had chosen certainty over uncertainty, and this was part of that choice.
"You must allow me to offer my congratulations," Rosamund said after a moment, her tone returning to something more openly polite. "It was unexpected, but you are no less fortunate for that."
"Thank you," Eleanor replied.
"You have done very well."
The words were perfectly appropriate. The meaning beneath them was less clear.
"I intend to continue to do so."
"I have no doubt," Rosamund said.
They smiled at one another. Nothing in the room suggested anything other than courtesy. Nothing in Eleanor’s manner betrayed the quiet shift beneath it, the awareness that had settled. She remained gracious, entirely in control.
But, for the first time since arriving at Harrowby, she felt the edge of something she could not define.
Rosamund remained where she was, perfectly at ease, as though time in this room belonged to her as much as to anyone else. Eleanor, opposite her, maintained the same composure.
"You must find the mornings here very different," Rosamund said, lifting her cup. "They are quieter than most houses of this size."
"They are," Eleanor replied. "Though I find the quiet agreeable."
"I suppose. Not everyone understands how to make use of it. It was certainly a change for myself, though like you I also rather enjoyed it."
"Did you?"
Rosamund’s gaze flickered, just slightly.
"I learned to."
There was no elaboration. Eleanor nodded once at that.
"Then you were here often?"
"Often enough," Rosamund said. "Harrowby was never unfamiliar to me."
"And now?"
Rosamund smiled faintly.
"Now it belongs to you."
The words were correct, but there was no denying the hint of venom within.
"And Julian," Rosamund continued, her tone unchanged, "has always valued continuity. I imagine that has not altered."
"It has not," Eleanor said.
"No," Rosamund replied. "I did not think it would."
Eleanor set her cup down, her movements unhurried.
"You speak as though you know him well."
Rosamund did not look away.