The Young and the Ruined - Annabelle Anders Page 0,7

wants.”

One corner of his mouth tugged upward in one of his rare smiles.

“That will never be a problem. She has me wrapped so tightly about her little finger, it’s a miracle I can breathe.” His gaze met hers and the depth of affection in his eyes robbed her of the ability to think for a moment.

“Lucky you,” she finally murmured.

“I have been blessed with good fortune.” Immediately, his eyes grew hooded, and he crossed his arms over his broad chest. “She’s right in a way. I told her that I wouldn’t marry anyone whom she didn’t approve of.” He looked to the floor, then leveled that all-knowing gaze her way. “The moment she saw you, she said that you were the one she wanted for her mother.”

A gentle breeze could have toppled her. He had no idea that saying those words wounded her more than she could ever express. It had been her most fervent wish that she’d have married him, and they’d have created a family together.

Instead, she’d become a widow. Though her husband had died two years ago, Nell never returned to London where her parents and Christa lived. She’d chosen to stay at Whitton Priory’s dowager house. It was close to Redmond Hall, where James resided. She didn’t like to think it was because of James. Yet, she’d not deny she’d hoped to catch a glimpse of him at simple country events like assemblies, parties, and the like. Perhaps see him in his everyday life and ensure herself that he was happy.

That was her sole reasoning.

But their paths had never crossed. How ironic that the first time they laid eyes on each other he was wife-hunting.

“We both know that Valentina’s wishes won’t come true,” he said softly. “I can’t and won’t pick you.” Though the words were spoken softly, he’d thrown a gauntlet down. She was not to come any closer to him or his daughter.

A jagged pain stopped her heart mid-beat. It was still tender over losing him.

For some unknown reason, she challenged him. “I thought you said you’d marry for love. If you’re allowing Valentina to pick her mother, then what about love for you?”

He hmphed softly. “It is for love. My love for Valentina is what’s pushing this. She needs a mother’s guiding hand. She needs a woman who will love her as her own and give her the guidance she needs to become a lady. When she reaches a marriageable age, men will be coming in droves to court her, a duke’s daughter. I want her ready so that she’ll never have to sacrifice what’s most important in this life.” His gaze bored into hers. “Love.” He winged a single eyebrow. “It’s the most important thing in this world, wouldn’t you agree?”

He was goading her, but she wouldn’t—nay—couldn’t take the bait. Otherwise, he’d slice her open. Then, all of her wasted youth and accompanying disappointments would spill across the floor, exposing how her life had turned out.

All because she’d married to keep her indebted family from ruin. She blew out a shallow breath.

“Forgive me,” he murmured. He ran a hand through those black curls. They glistened just like Valentina’s matching ones. “I came to tell you that your luggage is packed on the carriage that’s ready to take you home.” He lowered his gaze to hers. “I ask that you say farewell to my daughter. She’ll be heartbroken otherwise.”

As would Nell.

She nodded at his request. “I should find Christa. Was she at your guests’ luncheon?”

“I can’t tell you. I didn’t entertain my aunt’s guests. I made certain that everything was ready for you to depart this afternoon.” He smiled that achingly familiar half smile again.

“Of course,” she muttered. He wanted her out of the house. “Thank you.”

“I’ll escort you down to the dining room. I’m sure that’s where your sister is.” He raised his bent arm for her to take.

Without a word, she wrapped her arm around his. Her fingers rested on the warm, solid muscle of his forearm. That summer so long ago, his forearms had been colored from the endless time he’d spent outside fishing and helping his uncle’s tenant farmers. Back then, he hadn’t been a ducal heir, but a young man training for a position as a land steward at the duke’s estate.

The duke and duchess took their responsibilities seriously as benefactors to their neighbors and the village close to the ducal estate. They were generous hosts and had extended their hospitality to Nell, who’d been visiting relatives for