He felt utterly wretched as he saw just how much his actions had affected Jane. Somewhere inside him, a small voice murmured that he was just like his father, after all. Who else would behave in such a callous and cowardly manner?
“I do not believe you,” Jane answered, wiping a tear from her eye.
“I… I should not have done what I did. I do not regret it, but I do regret the hurt it has caused.” Blake forced himself not to wipe the tear from her cheek.I do not want to make this worse.“I have behaved thoughtlessly, and you are right. It was dishonorable to do what I have done.”
“These are just words.” Jane frowned at him.
“They are all I have. And there are four which I must say to make this right.” Blake took a steadying breath.
He knew what he had to do. Knew what propriety demanded. He could not allow Jane to be hurt by his foolishness, and he cursed himself for it. His father was going to win. He would ruin everything just because he was too selfish to walk away.
This is the least I can do.
“No.” Jane’s voice was firm, catching him by surprise.
“What?” Confusion washed over him. “No?”
“No. That will be my answer.” Jane’s voice grew steadier, as though some realization had dawned on her.
“You do not know what I was going to ask.”
“I do. I know what you were about to say. What question you were about to ask. And though my—” Jane cut herself off and instead said, “Do not say them.”
“Jane.”
What was she about to say?
Blake looked at her face.
“Blake, if you have ever cared about me, then you will not say what you are about to say.” She turned away from him.
“But I must make this right. I—” Blake began, but Jane cut him off.
“Not like this. I cannot. I do not want to marry you. Not… Not like this.” Jane broke free of his grip, shaking her head, her breathing erratic. “I need to leave.”
“Jane, please.” Blake reached for her.
The music continued playing. Around them, people were starting to look.
Do not draw attention to her.
“Goodbye, Blake.” Jane turned away from him and left the ballroom.
“Jane.” Blake stood for a moment, his arm outstretched, but Jane was gone.
He took a step forward as though to follow her and then caught himself. “I have caused enough harm already. She will be better off without me.”
He turned away, but he found he had no desire to dance. He left the ballroom and stepped onto the veranda, breathing in the cool night air. Around him, people chattered softly.
He should be relieved. After all, Jane had made the decision for him. He had not had to break his vow, and no doubt Jane would lead a better life if he was not in it.
Then why did it feel as though the world were crumbling around him?
ChapterTwenty-Seven
When All Is Said And Done
“Ineed to get back to London. Father has sent word, and there has been some kind of emergency that requires us to return home at once,” Jane said, trying to keep her voice steady and praying that she could hold her tears back a moment more.
