"Am I only a lady now?" She stood as well, irrationally stung that he'd withdrawn. Temper warred with hurt, as it always did. She was reeling from Gareth's sudden removal, and her husband was hopeless. "No different from any other?" She made herself smile, she even managed a small laugh.
"You can explain to me. I promise I shan't faint of shock." She approached him tentatively, putting a careful hand on his arm. "We of the Dreadfort are not made to be so easily surprised... are we?"