Ash didn’t miss the disappointment coating her words. They hadn’t had a chance to talk about what this was between them. Ash hadn’t had a chance to let her know that there was nothing between them.
Lie.What was between them waseverything. Now that Ash had gotten to experience a small piece of heaven that was being in Felicity’s arms, it appeared the fates had decided the time had finally come for her to leave.
“As soon as I received the Duke’s note, I set out for you. Mother is waiting at home in case we ended up traveling right past each other. But I couldn’t sit at home and wait.”
Felicity winced. “I could see the news being distressing. I’m shocked you heard about the broken betrothal already.”
Ash grimaced.Bugger.
Lord Bentley stopped in his tracks, and Felicity stumbled.
The man’s hand shot out to steady his sister at the same time his gaze shot to Ash’s. “Broken betrothal? What are you speaking of, sister?”
Felicity’s amber brows furrowed, and her nose scrunched. “Wait a moment. You couldn’t possibly have received the Duke’s letter yet. Whyareyou here?”
“I believe I’m the one asking the questions here,” her brother said, his voice authoritative, brooking no argument.
Felicity patted her brother’s hand. “Yes, yes, sure you are, Felix.”
“Flick,” her brother growled.
Ash almost snorted. He had a feeling Felicity caused her brother, and her father before him, all sorts of grief. One would never have guessed by the way she held herself out in society. So covert was she—perfectly composed, modest, demure—she should have been employed by the Home Office for undercover work. Ash’s heart squeezed. He was one of the few blessed with the knowledge of who she truly was. A gift he would forever treasure.
Ash stepped forward and extended his hand to Lord Bentley, who returned Ash’s handshake.
“Your brother is here, Lady Felicity, because I wrote to him immediately upon your arrival.”
“I came as soon as I could manage,” Lord Bentley said. “I received the letter just two days past. There was extreme flooding, mail has been delayed for days, and the backlog has been pure chaos.” He glanced at his sister. “And apparently not only do we have whatever spurred your visit to discuss, sister, but a broken betrothal as well.” He cocked an eyebrow and met Ash’s gaze with a hard stare.
Lord Bentley may be much younger than Ash, but he was most definitely not a man to be crossed.
“Let us reconvene in my study, and we can discuss,” Ash said.
If Lord Bentley’s scowl was any indication, this conversation was going to be bloody fantastic.
33
Felicity
Felicitysettledintooneof the armchairs in front of Ash’s desk while her brother sat in the one next to her. Ash folded himself into his chair and took a bracing breath, like a man readying himself for death. It seemed a trifle dramatic.
“I believe it prudent we begin with your sister’s impromptu visit here,” Ash said, his voice imbued with ducal authority.
Her breath stalled. Shite. Perhaps not dramatic. Was he going to tellherbrotherof her plans for seduction? No. Certainly not. But they hadn’t yet discussed what they would say to her brother. She was hoping for more time so that it would be something along the lines ofI’m marrying this duke instead, huzzah!
But they hadn’t come close to having that conversation. And after what she had just uncovered at the beach… It was going to be an uphill climb—no, uphill was too easy. A completely vertical climb, like climbing the White Cliffs of Dover.
“Your sister came here with concerns regarding the betrothal contract with Lord Wessex.”
She let out a breath. Catastrophe one avoided. No mention of her seduction.
“I am well aware of my sister’s concerns.” Felix turned to her. “Did you truly go above my head to His Grace with this, Felicity? We have been over this an exasperating number of times.”
She glared at her brother.Why bother saying exasperating when your voice is dripping in it, brother?
He ignored her look. “Trust me, I understand your dreams of love, but they are nothing but foolish musings. Love belongs in the realm of fairy tales and myths. It is not for the likes of us. You were born into a life of duty; a duty which you will serve as a duchess—”
Yaddy-yaddah-yaddah.Was he really still droning on?
