“What a pleasure to see you, Augusta. You will have to forgive my recent absences, I was—”
August held up a hand. “I need to say something, if you do not mind,” she said hastily. Any longer and she would lose her courage.
Both brows rose but he nodded. “Of course.” He gestured to one of the seats in the elegant gold and red room but she remained standing. Hands clasped in front of her, she drew in a long breath. “I...I wish to break off the engagement.”
He blinked at her several times and silence fell over the room. The chitter of a bird and the humming of a maid somewhere were the only sounds. Several ticks of a clock went by. Henry rubbed his forehead with a finger. “If this is because of my behavior, then please be assured—”
“No, it is because of mine.”
“Yours?”
She nodded. “I love another.” There. It was said. And, goodness, how good it felt. She loosened her hands and lifted her chin. “I'm sorry, Henry. I believe our engagement was a mistake and that you do not want me for a wife any more than I want you.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Our families will be most upset.”
“But will you be?”
He smiled vaguely. “I am afraid to say I will not.”
“Do not be afraid. I think fear is what got us both in this position.”
He nodded and chuckled. “I think so too.” He gestured again to one of the chairs. “Please sit, Augusta,” he insisted.
She relented and perched on a high-backed red velvet sofa.
Henry seated himself opposite, leaning forward with his elbows upon his knees. “You are certain about this?”
“I am.” She tilted her head and eyed him. “You do not seem all that surprised.”
His lips curved. “I had rather picked up on some reluctance on your part, and shall we say...some feelings toward another person.”
Augusta sucked in a breath. No, how could he possibly know?
“It is Miles, is it not?”
She stilled, unable to fathom a response.
“When we were younger, I always had an inkling you rather liked Miles.”
“I liked you too,” she protested.
“But not as much as Miles, and I would wager he likes you immensely. Always has, I suppose. If I'd have realized it sooner, I might not have been such a fool about this whole thing.”
“Whole thing?”
He grimaced and rubbed a hand over his face. “I was wrong to propose in the first place but I was also wrong to leave you. And then...”
“Then?”
“I fell in love.”
“Love?” she echoed.
He blew out a breath. “I met a woman in Hungary—Gizella.” His eyes warmed at the mention of her name. “I fell in love with her but I knew nothing could come of it. Not just because I could not break our engagement and ruin you but because she is poor, with no connections.” He shook his head. “Could you imagine how my family would be should I break things off with you and bring home a poor Hungarian?”
Augusta bit down on her lip. “I was rather hoping not to disappoint my family too, but, Henry, you have a loving family, as do I. They will want the best for us.”
“Even when we tell them you have ended things, they shall want me to look for a nice society girl. At least if you marry Miles, your family shall be quite content.”
Tears bit into the corners of her eyes suddenly and she swiped it away.
“Augusta?”
“I do not think that will happen anyway. He...he does not want anything to do with me.” She stared at her hands. “Something about his past.”
“That damned fool,” he muttered. “I have no idea why he thinks he should be haunted by it so. He's determined to pay penance until the end of his days.”
“Was it really so bad?”
“It was,” Henry confirmed. “He was involved with some very dangerous people. So much so that I unfortunately ended up in a little trouble.”
“Trouble?” she echoed.
“He made some enemies and I received something of a beating when I refused to talk of Miles. Suffice to say, my brother is still riddled with guilt over the matter, despite it being years ago.”
“I had no idea.”
“But Miles is a good man, you know that or else you would not have fallen for him.”
“No,” she agreed. “I would not have.”
“He will come around.”
“I am not so sure.” She forced a smile. “But what of your lady friend? You should go back to Hungary and bring her here.”
He glanced down. “I am ashamed to say I have already done so.”
“Oh.”
“I had every intention of being faithful to you, Augusta, I promise. I just wanted to ensure she had a good life. Unfortunately, getting her settled here was harder than I anticipated. Hence, why I did not attend the ball. She ended up in rather a pickle with her landlord and I had to make assurances.”
She grimaced. “Poor woman. I cannot imagine being alone in a new country.”
“Gizella is a resourceful woman but it has not been easy, that much is true.”
“Well, you should make it easier on her.”
“I cannot.”
Augusta rose from her seat and Henry's gaze followed her. “You know you have been quite a coward in your attitude toward me, Henry. I should like to think you have learned from it.”
“I know, I know.”
“No, you do not know. You left me waiting for a long time and I wish both of us had summoned the courage to speak up sooner.”
“But—”
“Henry, marry Gizella. You know it is the right thing to do.”
He shook his head and grinned. “You were always so quiet, Augusta, whatever happened to you?”
She lifted her shoulders. “Love, I suppose.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Miles scowled at the clear sky, almost annoyed that the day should be so nice. At least if it was raining, it would match his sullen mood. Henry rode beside him, muttering something about the weather but Miles wasn't paying attention. The truth was, he had not paid attention to much since the other day, when he'd sent Augusta away. He ground his teeth together, recalling her hurt, confused look. His heart gave a sharp jab at his ribs.
“So, I hear tell that you had a little word with Jenkins.”
The name caught Miles's attention and he turned to face his brother. “How did you hear about that?”
“It is not often a man pisses his breeches and runs away to goodness knows where.” Henry chuckled. “You really must have scared the man.”
“Let's just say I reminded him of exactly who I once was then threw in a few threats of suing for slander.”
“I heard he was behind those rumors.”
Miles said nothing and kept his expression blank. He wasn't aware Henry had been around enough to hear of the gossip about him and Augusta. They rode leisurely along the path that led down to the river that cut across much of Hampshire. Miles knew he should have declined the ride but his brother was beginning to get suspicious about his melancholy mood so he'd relented.
“I also heard he was suspected to be behind the fire at the Snows.”
“That much is true,” Miles confirmed.
“And the rumors?” his brother pressed.
Miles tightened his jaw and fixed his gaze on the bank of trees that followed the line of the stream. He couldn't lie to his brother but he'd be damned if he'd get in the way of Augusta and Henry.
“You know, I saw Augusta two days ago,” his brother continued.
Sighing, Miles looked to Henry. His brother was not going to make this ride as relaxing as Miles had hoped. “I did not know.”
“Yes, it was rather interesting.” Henry grinned. “She's changed quite a bit since I first proposed.”
“Indeed.”
“And, of course, she told me she could not marry me.”
Miles nearly choked on a breath. “She t
old you—”
“She could not marry me, yes. Seems she's in love with someone else.”
“I—” Miles eased his grip on the reins, aware his tension was putting his horse on edge. “And you are not upset?”
“Of course not. We both know I only proposed out of grief and the weight of expectation. Thankfully she was clever and brave enough to put a stop to it.”
“Good Lord...” Miles murmured.
“There was also the matter of, well, the fact that I am also in love with someone else.”
“Damn it, were you having an affair?”
Henry grimaced. “I did not intend to.”
Miles’s teeth began to hurt from all the grinding.
Henry held up a hand. “I met someone when I was in the Baltics. I brought her home with me—”
“Henry,” Miles growled.
“But I did not have relations with her!” his brother protested. “I simply wanted to ensure she had a better life. I have her set up in a comfortable house now.”
“Bloody hell, Henry, you do not do things easily, do you?”
“She was desperately poor, Miles. I could not leave her behind, even when I decided I needed to do the right thing by Augusta.”
Absorbing the information, he took in his brother's appearance. Henry appeared more relaxed than he had done since his return. “So this woman? What are you going to do with her?”
“Marry her, hopefully.” Henry uttered the words quietly.
“Does she have any connections?”
“None at all.”
Miles shook his head. “Mother will have a fit.”
“And you?”
“If you love her, you have my support.”
Henry's shoulders dropped. “Good. Excellent. You shall adore her, I promise. She's quiet but strong....rather like Augusta.”
He wished his brother would stop mentioning her. Though, he had to wonder, why had she broke things off? She had everything she needed in Henry—protection, wealth, looks, not to mention everyone loved Henry. That didn't change—
His pulse came to a juddering halt at the sight of the tall, slender woman by the riverside. Her feet were bare, her skirts slightly lifted and she was dipping her toes in the water. For a moment, he’d thought it was Augusta but it could not be. She would never be so close to the water's edge.
Damn it all, now he was going addled.
“I asked her to meet me here so we could discuss telling everyone of the broken engagement,” Henry said.
Miles twisted to view his brother, frowning.
“Augusta,” Henry explained, “I asked her to meet me here.”
Miles turned his attention back to the woman. Of course it was her. There was no one else who made his stomach twist and his skin heat as though he was standing by a furnace with just one glance. But what the devil was she doing?
“Well, I had better leave you,” Miles said tightly.
Henry shook his head. “I think I should leave you.”
“Henry?”
“I wanted to see it for myself and now I have. You love that woman, Miles, and she certainly loves you.”
“But—”
His brother grinned. “Whatever or whoever you were in the past, you have proven yourself more than capable of protecting her. Hell, protecting all of us. Have you not provided for and protected me from my foolish decisions all these years?”
“But you were hurt, Henry.”
“I was but I can see you have no inclination of letting that happen to Augusta.” Henry jerked his head toward her. “Go to her.”
Miles hesitated, Every fiber of his being was pulling toward her but he wasn't certain he could dampen that voice inside him that told him he was not good enough for her.
“Go, Miles, or I shall force you.”
Nodding curtly, Miles directed his horse down toward the riverside, dismounting and tethering the reins to a strong branch. He waited for a moment, tucked just behind the tree, and watched while she dipped her toes into the water. Her shoes and stockings were discarded to one side and he smiled, despite himself. Augusta was so much more courageous than either of them had realized.
“Gus,” he said finally, the word rasping in his throat.
She spun, skirts in hand. “Oh!” She dropped them quickly, smoothing her palms down her crinkled gown. “Miles!”
He took a few steps toward her, unable to keep the quirked smile from his face. It had been mere days and he'd missed her so damned much. He fisted his hands at his side to prevent from taking her straight into his arms.
She glanced around him. “I was meant to be meeting Henry here.”
“Henry decided to go home.”
Creases appeared on her brow. “Oh?”
He drew in a long breath. “It seems my brother intended for us to meet. He told me he wanted my company for a ride.”
“Ah.” She bit down on her bottom lip and fingered the fabric of her skirt.
Miles closed the distance between them and glanced at the bare toes peeking out from under the lemon-yellow hem. “You hate water.”
“I do.” She lifted her chin. “But I'm brave now.”
“I can see that.” He eyed her, taking in the determined point of her chin and the wide, dark eyes that were, for the first time in a while, without makeup. God, he wanted her more than ever and he wasn't certain he could deny himself. “Henry said you broke off the engagement.”
“He did not love me and I do not love him. I do not think he was upset by it at all.”
“No, I do not think so either.”
“Miles—”
“Gus—” He paused and tried again. “Gus...I am no perfect man.”
“I do not think you are.”
He chuckled. “You are so good for one's ego, Miss Snow.”
“I am not perfect either. We would be fools to think we were. I considered Henry perfect once and look where that led me.”
“I suppose you are right, though you shall have a hard time convincing me you are not the most perfect woman in the world.”
“My hair is too dark.”
He fingered a curl, tracing the path of it down her neck. A tiny tremor wracked her body. “This hair is perfect.”
“I am too slender.”
Miles moved closer, spanning both hands around her waist. “Your body is perfect.”
“I am too shy, and scared, and...and foolish.”
“You are never too anything, Gus.” He drew her into him, muttering the words against the skin of her neck. “Apart from too perfect.” He lifted his head before he could give into temptation and flatten his lips to her skin. “I, however, am a fool. The biggest one there ever was.”
“I...” She sank into him and pressed her head into his neck. “Lord, I missed you, Miles.”
“My past is dark, Gus. I cannot deny I am still scared for you.”
“Then we can both be scared. And hopefully, we can both gain courage.” She lifted her head and smiled at him. “Besides, you've saved my life twice now. I think I am perfectly safe in your hands.”
He groaned at the idea of her truly in his hands, her flesh filling his palms. “I find it impossible to deny you.”
“Then do not.” She lifted on tiptoes to press her lips to his.
Growling, he took what was offered, holding her firmly to him and sealing his mouth over hers. Any thoughts of denying himself fled. He kissed her until she was breathless and his arousal ached agonizingly. He tore away and eyed her flushed cheeks, drawing the back of a finger down one. “Your family shall have a bit of a shock when we tell them you have broken it off with Henry.”
“Perhaps.”
“And are now engaged to me.”
“Is that a proposal?”
“A terrible one, yes.”
She grinned. “I have had better, I shall admit.”
“Damn that brother of mine and damn your exacting standards, Gus.” He pressed a light kiss to her lips.
“My standards
are not so exacting.”
“Or else you would not be with me.”
“That is not what I was going to say.” She wriggled in his hold. “Why must you always tease me so?”
He kept her held firmly into his grasp until she gave up with an exasperated sigh. “If I promise not to tease, will you say yes?”
“I do not think you have the ability to cease teasing.”
“Will you say yes anyway?”
She sank back into him and looped her arms around his neck. “Of course I will.”
Miles could not keep the foolish grin from his face. “You know, we are not all that far from the estate office.”
“Oh?”
“I recall making some rather fine memories there.”
“So do I.”
“It will be nice and quiet there.”
She unlooped her arms from around his neck and snatched up her boots and stockings before slipping her hand in his. “Lead the way, Lord Ashwick. I do not think I am done being brave for the day.”
THE END
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Read on for Chapter One of There Are Plenty More Dukes in the Sea
Chapter One
London, 1818
Angel inched open the door, breath held. Her heart pressed against the bodice of her gown. Perhaps, just perhaps, if she stepped into the room quietly, no one would notice the late hour. The door hinge squeaked, and she winced.
Blast.
Easing one slippered foot through the tiny entrance she’d created, she crept through the gap into her brother’s office. The fair heads of her siblings remained focused on the lawyer who sat facing Angel. The slender man, his gray hair pasted over a balding and splotchy scalp, did not look up.
She let loose a breath and immediately regretted it as the sound seemed to fill the quiet room. Her oldest brother, the Marquis of Eastbrook, gave her the briefest of glances. A lone brow arched. Angel felt her very soul shrivel. Theo was infamous for his stony glares, and she had been on the receiving end of them one too many times.
Married to the Lord (The Wallflower Brides Book 2) Page 16