The Kilmartin estate was quiet when you entered. The black mourning drapes had been cleared away since you'd last been there, to be expected after the months gone. You had left a necklace in your haste to run last time. It was from your departed cousin, John, so you chanced seeing Francesca for it.

She was at Bridgerton house...or so you thought until you turned straight into her on your way to the guests quarters. Even now you can see the weariness on her face. Perhaps even more so than after the funeral. Then her eyes alight with a fire only you seemed to bring out of her. Anger and...hurt. Lying that you would stay hurt her. Leaving without notice or cause even more so. Your heart hurt at the thought.

Still. It is a lesser pain than the guilt you feel knowing you were falling in love with John's wife. It felt so crushing, the weight of it as well as the resistence to act on such a feeling. Your heart betrays you at the sight of Francesca, her anger doesn't diminish her beauty, but it would surely be a disservice to her dead husband that trusted you. Loved you like a sister.

"You left me." Francesca spits out, more venom in the words than she thought herself capable of. "You said you would stay then you left."