It had been a fortnight since Julian had left. Cait had received no word from him, nor had Claudia or Norbright.
What she and Julian had shared had been marvelous and her heart belonged to him, but it was also difficult to believe that it had been real.
Maybe it was simply magical because Julian had been stuck at Harrington Manor and from there a friendship had grown. What if once he had returned home, he realized that what they shared was not real and that she would not fit into his world. He could have realized that what he had claimed to be love was nothing more than infatuation or a deep friendship. Or, that he needed to marry someone more worthy.
He was now a viscount and future earl. She was a schoolteacher who had been born and raised in Ireland on a horse farm. Based on their backgrounds alone, they were not a match, and Julian probably realized that as soon as he had returned to his former life.
That was what Cait was preparing herself for. Either he would return and tell her that they did not suit, or he would send a letter, or she may simply not hear from him or see him again.
Her heart did not want to give up so easily, but her mind insisted that she prepare to set Julian aside and think of him only as a fond memory.
If that betrothal had not appeared in the newssheet, perhaps she would have remained hopeful, but one does not simply take back such an announcement.
What if when he had returned home and met this woman his father had chosen, Julian realized that Miss Hooper was far better suited for him?
There was also the possibility that he hadn’t had a chance to write. Perhaps his father was more ill than he realized. Though, if that were the case, the earl could not have arranged for a betrothal notice to be printed, unless he was also out of his mind.
Cait shook the thought away. Even had the earl written such and insisted, a servant would have protected the family. Therefore, he must have been in his right mind, which had her once again wondering who Miss Hooper was and why Julian’s father had announced the betrothal.
How she hated this waiting and hoping and then reminding herself that she was being foolish and that there could be no future even if she did love him. And then she'd return to waiting and hoping for his return so that they could finally be together and plan a future.
“The post has arrived Miss Doyle. There is a letter for you,” Eliza announced and handed it over.
“Thank you.” Caitlin stared at the girl who watched her with too much curiosity. “You may go Eliza.”
With a sigh, Eliza left Cait alone. Only then did she glance down at the missive. Cait did not recognize the handwriting and she was almost afraid to open it. Instead, she left the school and made her way to the beach and to the rocks where the seals often sunned themselves. No matter what the news, good or bad or indifferent, she wanted to be in the one place where she was happiest.
With a deep sigh she broke the seal and unfolded the parchment and then read.
Miss Doyle,
I fully intended to return and looked forward to continuing our acquaintance. Unfortunately, that will not come to be.
Cait blewout the breath she’d been holding and closed her eyes for a moment. She’d not see Julian ever again and as much as she had tried to prepare herself, it still hurt, deeply.
I now knowwho Miss Imogene Hooper is. She is the woman my brother ruined. She also carries his child.
My father wants his grandchild to be born in wedlock, even if I am not the father, and has prevailed upon me to marry her and give the child my name to ensure that the heir comes from his favored son.
I fought him on this, but he has manipulated my life in such a way that I no longer have a choice in my future. In order to gain my cooperation, he interfered by seeing that the position with my employer will be terminated, nor will I be able to work for anyone else, if I do not marry Miss Hooper. He will also cut off my quarterlies, which will leave me destitute within a year. I would have nothing to offer anyone other than my heart. I could not in good conscience offer so little to you, which is why I cannot return as promised.
If I marry Miss Hooper, I can retain my position and financial support.
Cait wantedto remind him that she had ten thousand pounds and that they could make do because she would continue to teach. They could find a small cottage to live in and be happy. His father couldn’t control the whole of England and they could find a way. Julian wouldn’t be the first to marry an heiress, not that she was considered as such.
He could have at least asked instead of making the decision for them.
If Julian had truly loved her, he would not have severed their relationship in a letter but would have tried to find a way.
I do feelbad for her. She is timid, shy and lacks confidence. She is the type of woman Grayson always sought out because they so easily fell for his lies.
I have no love for Miss Hooper, nor do I anticipate that I ever will. But, she has nowhere else to go as her family has turned her out. Further, the child she carries should not have to suffer because of my brother, my father, or her brother. That child is my niece or nephew and that is who I cannot turn my back on.
I am sorry if I led you to believe that there could be more for us. I thought it was possible when I left Harrington Manor, but it is not.
Please think of me fondly.
Julian
