"You said I could have anything I wanted, did you not?"
"I believe I did say that…a year or so ago."
"Precisely how wealthy are we?" she asked.
"Wealthy enough."
"How wealthy?"
"My love, you must not bother yourself with such details. I will handle everything, just as I have these past three years."
"Dare you treat me like a child, Hannish? I wish to know how big our fortune is."
"I dinna wish to tell you."
She pulled her hand out of his, looked out the window and narrowed her eyes. "So that is how it is to be. I am dependent upon you for everything."
"'Tis the way of husbands and wives. 'Tis my place to make your life as unencumbered as possible, and yours to give me children."
"I wish at least the same allowance you afforded me in Scotland."
"Whatever for? You had a house to repair and servants to pay in Scotland, here I will handle everything."
"How much will I be allowed then?"
"Olivia, I fail to see why money is your most important concern. Do you not want to hear about Colorado's society?"
She softened her demeanor and turned to face him. "Of course I do. Please tell me… Oh, is that it?"
He followed her gaze out the window on his side of the carriage and then looked back to see her reaction. "Aye, 'tis Marblestone."
"My goodness, it is every bit as big as you promised. Do not speak, Hannish, simply allow me to take it all in."
He was happy for the silence, and the time to think about his plans to trap his unfaithful wife. There was a price to pay and he aimed to see she paid in full.
It was easy to intermittently spot the carriage and wagon through the trees, and waiting outside with the others, McKenna took a deep breath as though it might be her last. When the carriage pulled up in front, her brother did not look at all happy and she quickly lowered her eyes.
"So here you are, my darling sister…in-law." Olivia said, as she walked toward her. Olivia's voice was just as sarcastic as McKenna remembered it to be.
"And here you are, at last, Duchess," McKenna shot back. She neglected to curtsy, just to annoy Olivia.
"I see your good humor still has not returned. Well, never mind, we cannot all be pleasant. Life would be far too boring if we were, would it not?"
"Precisely." McKenna expected to see a look of disapproval on her brother's face, but she did not. It was a hopeful sign, but far too little to get excited about just yet.