Edie forced a bright smile when she realized Stuart was watching her with a puzzled frown. She swallowed before speaking to make sure the emotion was cleared from her voice. "I had a good time. Most of them spoke French, but they were very nice to me," she suddenly said, looking at him with her squinting eyes. She smiled to assure him it was okay, though her insides were torn to bits.
Stuart laid his hand over hers. His eyes darkened with feeling, but his voice was quiet. "Why did you leave early?" It broke his heart, knowing she didn't tell him the truth. "Why is your gown so dirty? Did someone do something to you?" he stared at her as he asked one question after another. His dark eyes were full of concern as he looked at her smiling face. He couldn't help but feel a little hurt. It was wrong to keep secrets from him. And now he had to face the fact that she hadn't trusted him enough to confide in him.