The Duke Meets His Match (The Infamous Somertons #3)(61)

His determination faltered. “I’m thinking only of her. I live in fear that it could happen again.”

“Chloe assures me it was an accident, and I trust her judgment. I also suspect you love her as well. I was slow to see it until my sister, Lady Vale, pointed it out to me. Artists can see much more than ordinary people.”

He did love Chloe. Deeply, with all his heart. “That’s why it is best if I stay away. I care for Chloe very much,” he conceded.

“I must ask. Are you certain it is not her past that has dissuaded you from considering her as your duchess?”

“No. Like I said, I care nothing for her past. But I was dismayed that she felt she had to keep it hidden for so long,” he said.

Eliza’s face fell. “I, too, am saddened that Chloe didn’t tell us. I’m upset that she thought she was a burden to us. Looking back, I understand why she did what she did. She had it hard as a child. Always sick.” Eliza sat back in her chair. “I want nothing but happiness for both of my sisters. That’s why I’m here. You should know Chloe is set on leaving town.”

His gaze snapped to hers. “Leaving?”

“She plans to return to Huntingdon’s country estate. She even mentioned traveling to Scotland from there.”

“Scotland?” he repeated dumbly.

“Huntingdon’s aunt is elderly and needs a companion. I suspect she will overlook Chloe’s talkative nature, should she even hear it, since I’m told she’s mostly deaf.”

Like hell. It wasn’t fair that he’d experienced how it should be, how it could be, only to have it snatched away. No one else could offer him a chance at happiness. No one else could heal his battered soul and make him feel human again. And no one else could make him desire so fiercely.

Only Chloe.

And she belonged with him.

He’d been a fool.

A complete and utter fool.

Could he sit back and let her go?

The answer was a resounding no.

Eliza rose. “I fear I have said too much already and taken your time.”

Michael leaped to his feet. “How soon is she planning to leave?”

She halted by the door and looked back at him. “She’s packing as we speak. The coach leaves early tomorrow morning.”



After Lady Huntingdon left, Michael remained in the room. He poured himself a glass of brandy, chose a leather chair, and started to plan. There was no way he could let Chloe leave London. Despite what she claimed, he knew deep in his gut that if she left the country to nurse an old woman in Scotland, it would not be temporary.

Chloe Somerton turned men’s heads. Her cascade of golden hair, her sapphire eyes, and her curvaceous figure was a fascinating combination of allure and innocence that could tempt any red-blooded male. But it was her keen intelligence, her determination and strength that had enabled her to survive abandonment, poverty, and illness…and her empathy toward others that could capture hearts.

She’d be snatched up by a Scotsman before the end of her first week.

Hell.

He was ashamed that it had taken him so long to acknowledge his own feelings.

His illness still scared him—his dreaded, unpredictable episodes—but it didn’t frighten him as much as losing her. The thought of living without her by his side was more terrifying than marching into enemy lines or standing in front of a loaded cannon.

He knew the perfect way to show her how much he cared. She may be willing to leave him behind, but there was a small child that Chloe could not ignore so easily.

He was counting on it.

…

Early the following morning, Chloe felt utterly miserable. The coach to take her to Hampshire would be arriving soon. It would be a long trip, stopping at numerous posting inns along the way, before she arrived at Huntingdon’s country estate. She was grateful that her maid, Alice, was accompanying her. However, Chloe wouldn’t be in the mood to talk, which meant she’d have mile after mile to think of Michael and what could have been.

She regretted that there wasn’t enough time to say good-bye to Emily, but the orphanage didn’t open its doors to visitors until early afternoon. Sweet, innocent Emily who bravely continued to fight her illness. She would miss the child terribly, and her only consolation was that Amelia and Eliza had agreed to visit Emily at the orphanage and explain that Chloe had to go on a trip. Her sisters had also agreed to visit the child weekly. Chloe had written explicit instructions as to the types of books and stories Emily preferred—fairy tales of princesses and, of course, dragons.

A fresh wave of longing sank in Chloe’s stomach.

“Are you sure about this?” Alice asked. The maid was almost finished packing Chloe’s stockings and shoes in a large trunk.

“Yes.” No. She wasn’t certain about anything. She only knew that staying in London without seeing Michael would be torture.

A low knock on her bedchamber door startled her. Alice opened the door to find a footman holding a letter. “This just arrived for you, Miss Chloe.”

Chloe broke the seal and opened the letter.

Miss Somerton,

I am writing to notify you that Emily’s progress has dramatically changed and the child is asking for you. Please come to the orphanage to see her before it is too late.

Respectfully,

Dr. Graves

Chloe felt the blood drain from her face as the letter fluttered to the carpet at her feet.