A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,69

godforsaken letter.

Christian might have been able to see her turmoil at the table, but if she stood with her back to him, she could hold the shame close and not let it escape.

Katherine faced the private courtyard, where the beautiful view was wasted on her. All she could see was the letter she held in her trembling hands. She blinked once in a desperate attempt to wipe away the dishonor and humiliation that was her due. She didn’t ask to be born a bastard. Yet she wore it because it belonged to her.

But the title of thief? She’d earned that all by herself.

The trigamist had left her hours after the ceremony, and he didn’t even know the truth about her. But he was correct when he said he saw desire in her eyes. Oh, how she’d wanted to be considered a proper lady who didn’t steal or pretend to be someone else.

What would Helen, Constance, and Beth do if her stealing past came to light? Would they protect her like she had protected Meri and his reputation after he’d left? Her heart froze in her chest. What would Christian say? Would he turn his back and not have anything to do with her ever again? If that happened, would it hurt more than the humiliation she had felt when she’d been caught with that apple?

She clutched her fist to her heart, a pitiful attempt to keep the pain from escaping.

Lothario described Meri perfectly. A man who loved many.

But the undeniable fact was that she wasn’t any better than her husband. They both lied and pretended to be someone else. He, a supposed honorable lord, had bestowed upon her the title of lady.

And she had proudly used that title to her advantage every day after watching him ride off on his white horse.

His letter was a confession of his sins. After he’d written it, had any of the weight lifted from his shoulders? God, she’d give anything to be free of her burden.

She studied the subtle embroidery on her hem, hoping she could find the strength not to crumble. For God’s sake, she didn’t want to cry. She willed herself to keep her emotions contained. Eventually, her faithless gaze drifted back to the piece of foolscap in her hand.

Katherine, my darling, when I met the others, I had to marry them. They’re beautiful and humorous and women of outstanding character. I hope you meet them one day. I think you all would share a good laugh over our circumstances. Maybe you’d even say something nice about me.

The truth? I just couldn’t keep from saying “I do.” Who knew that those two words were so addictive?

I did us both a divine favor by leaving. If I’d stayed, I’m afraid I would have wilted like a flower deprived of water. And a wilted flower is so needy and ugly. So, I replanted myself.

Perhaps you can do the same.

I hope you can find it within your heart to forgive me one day. I truly am sorry.

You are a beautiful, successful, and self-assured lady. I have every confidence you’ll have a happy life.

Fondly,

M

Without saying a word, she let the letter slip from her fingers. It floated to the ground, much like a feather caught in a gentle breeze.

What a bloody waste of a marriage.

And what a bloody waste of a dream.

She had no one to blame but herself. She was the one who’d damned her own future.

At that moment, she’d give anything to feel a gentle wind across her face because all the air had been sucked out of her. Her chest tightened as if held in a vise, but she managed the incredible feat of bending down and retrieving the letter. Desperate for air, she silently gasped and stuffed the offensive missive in her pocket.

“Kat, what is it? Are you all right?” The alarm in Christian’s voice rang across the room.

She couldn’t answer, even if she wanted to. She had tamped down her emotions so tightly, she’d lost her voice.

“Kat?” Christian asked gently.

Without taking her leave, she walked out the door, right past the duke, whose eyes had widened.

She had to escape, but one part of the letter kept taunting her with each step she took. If only she could replant herself and bloom as an entirely different person. Never had she wanted that so much as now. She wanted to be someone else, someone who would be worthy of being a friend to the duke.

Tears threatened in earnest this time. Undoubtedly, her cheeks