From one look at the servants, one could tell they wanted to be anywhere but here.
Anthony knew immediately that he had gone too far.
His mother looked down at her tea. For several seconds, she said nothing.
Lady Eleanor eventually broke the silence when she spoke quietly. "Your father and I were not unhappy." Her voice was tight at the mention.
Anthony's jaw tightened. Avoiding her gaze, he reached for his teacup again. "I did not say you both were."
"Even though you implied it," Her voice didn't sound offended, but there was an obvious trace of embarrassment as she added.
He tried to explain. "I did not mean—"
"I know what you meant," She cut in before he could finish. His eyes lifted towards hers. "And perhaps that is precisely why I worry about you."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Anthony looked away. Then he returned the teacup untouched. He'd suddenly lost the appetite. "There's absolutely no reason to worry about me,"
