She considered objecting. For a split second, she imagined asking why he hadn’t discussed it with her first.
But what would that change?
“It’s your territory,” she replied after a moment, her tone even. “Handle it however you see fit.”
Her compliance seemed to dissolve whatever explanation he had prepared. The tension in his shoulders eased.
“You’re not bothered?” he asked, almost cautiously.
She met his gaze.
“No.”
The answer came easily.
Relief flickered across his face. He rose to his feet and placed the bottle of liniment beside her.
“Reapply it gently in about half an hour,” he instructed. “I’ll go sit with Olivia. She’s downstairs alone.”
Of course she was.
“I’ll come back later,” he added.
Adriana nodded faintly.
Inside, she marked another tally.
He had received reassurance. That was enough. He could leave without guilt.
He reached the door and grasped the handle.
Then he paused and glanced back.
“Adriana,” he said, his tone shifting slightly, “Olivia is sensitive. Try not to behave so coldly around her next time. She might misunderstand.”
She blinked.
So that was it.
Her quiet retreat upstairs had been impolite.
Should she have stayed and shared their leftovers instead?