He heard the words as the room seemed to close in on him. Cait withdrew her arm and stepped away.
Chapter Ten
How could he profess to care for her while betrothed to this Miss Imogene Hooper?
Cait was reeling from the news. His kisses had warmed her very soul and his caresses had heated her blood and the entire time he was betrothed.
“I do not even know who she is!” Julian argued.
“Are you certain?” Kilsyth demanded. “A gentleman usually does not become betrothed without knowing the name of his intended.”
“I swear to you that I do not know who this Miss Imogene Hooper is. I have never heard the name in my life, and I certainly have no plans to marry…” he looked at Cait. “This Miss Hooper is not the one I want in my life.”
She believed him. Cait had never seen such panic or desperation in Julian’s eyes before. He was just as surprised to learn of his betrothal as the rest of them were.
“Why would your father place such an announcement if it was not true?” Keegan asked.
“I do not know, but I will be leaving at first light to demand answers.”
Her heart seized and Cait knew in that moment that it was likely she would not see Julian again. He may not have wanted the betrothal, but something deep down warned that no matter how much she wished for it, Julian would never be hers.
Julian turned to Cait. “Would you walk with me?”
They had just returned from outside, but his world had also been altered the moment they returned.
“Yes.”
He offered his arm and led her back out onto the terrace.
“I swear that I do not know who this woman is or why my father put a betrothal notice in the newssheets.”
“I believe you.” With her entire being, she knew that he spoke the truth.
“As soon as I have cleared up this matter, I will return,” he promised.
She wanted to believe him, but feared his return would not be as easy as he claimed.
“Cait, it is you who holds my heart.”
He held hers but Cait was afraid to tell him.
“I have not said it before, and thought to wait, but I am in love with you, Caitlin Doyle.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “And I, you,” she whispered, and it suddenly mattered that he knew the depth of her feelings. “You hold my heart and have my love.”
“I will miss you while I am gone, Cait,” Julian confessed.
“And I you, Lord Rivers.”
He chuckled. “I asked you to call me Julian.”
“When you return,” she said.
“Might I have one last kiss?” he asked.
“I would like that very much.”
Julian pulled her into his arms and placed the gentlest kiss upon her lips. It was filled with tenderness and her heart was filled with love.
