Page 105 of A Match Made On Duchess Square

“I could kiss you and change your mind.”

“Oh, no.” She shook her head emphatically. “First of all, I do not want your kisses. Frankly, I do not think I will like them. But there is someone I believe would enjoy them very much. I’d like you to meet her.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“I spent months as Milbury’s matchmaker and chose some lovely young ladies for him. Of course, he rejected them all because he fell in love with me.”

Even now, it warmed her soul to think James had secretly been in love with her all along. Well, he’d probably denied it to himself until recently.

Andrew stared at her in astonishment. “Are you ending our betrothal and in the same breath trying to make a match for me?”

“Yes, I am. That is quite perceptive of you.” She cast him an encouraging smile. “The lady I have in mind is Lady Millicent Hanford. She is a viscount’s daughter and very intelligent. Very pretty. Chestnut hair, hazel eyes. Her nose is very much like my own.”

“Why would I care about her nose?”

“She lives in London. Speaks three languages. Would love to travel. Her father has excellent estate managers, any of whom can help you out with your Winterbrook estate.”

“You are handing me off to second best?”

Gwendolyn frowned at him. “Not at all. I am the one who has always been second best to you. Is it still not obvious to you? But I think Millicent could be first in your heart.”

He began to pace in front of her like a tiger trapped in a cage. “You were to be my wife, Gwen. I do not want you as my matchmaker.”

“I’ll write down her direction and provide you with an introductory note to give her,” she said, ignoring his protests. “Open your heart to her, Andrew. I wish the two of you a lifetime of happiness.”

He gave a wry laugh. “I don’t believe this.”

“Will you wait here while I write down her information?”

“Absolutely not,” he growled.

“Fine, then I shall have a messenger drop it off at Mr. Marchand’s café tomorrow.” She tipped her chin up and squared her shoulders as a surprising weight suddenly lifted off them. “Do not pretend to be overset about the end of our betrothal. Six years away from me is enough proof of your reluctance to ever be bound to me.”

“Do not put this on me, Gwen. You are the one ending our betrothal.”

“It wasn’t ever much of a betrothal, was it?” she remarked, sighing. “More like an anvil placed on our shoulders. But you will find Millicent to be lively and engaging. The hours spent in her company will feel like mere minutes, and you will be eager to see her again…and again. Invite me to your wedding.”

She was surprised when tears clouded his eyes. “Will you forgive me for not attending yours? I will not object to ending our betrothal, but do not expect me to cheer at the thought of losing you to Milbury.”

“Wish me happiness, Andrew. We have always been the best of friends, and friends must always wish the best for each other.”

He groaned in anguish and then nodded. “Be happy, Gwen. Perhaps we were not each other’s great loves, but we would have been good together. In truth, I cannot imagine my life without you.”

She reached up and kissed him on the cheek, then grabbed his lapels and shook him. “You have lived most of your adult life without me, so I am certain you shall survive quite well once I am out of your life. Finish your business with Marchand, and then get yourself off to London and seek out Millicent. I am not wrong about this.”

“I had better go,” he said, and she was surprised to hear the pain in his voice. In truth, more pain than she had ever expected.

Well, it had not been easy for her, either.

“I’m not going to wait around while you write down Millicent’s information.” He started to leave, then paused and turned to her with an achingly sentimental smile. “Have it delivered to Marchand’s café, as you suggested. I’ll leave these borrowed clothes there for Milbury to collect.” He swept her up in his arms and hugged her fiercely. “I love you, Gwen.”

She hugged him back with heartfelt desire to see him happy. “Stay safe, Andrew.”

He strode away.

She followed him out and watched him climb into his rig, and then, with a snap of the reins, he rode off.

Fiona and Agatha were hovering in the entry hall when she walked back inside.