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His friends stared at him with varying expressions of surprise. Miles himself was stunned by his declaration. “I mean…I could fall in love,” he finished in a less than convincing tone.

The idea surprised him, and he thought of little else as he finished his drink and started for home.

*

When he arrived at his townhouse, Jones greeted him. “Sir, I am glad to see you are faring better. We were informed you’ve been unwell.”

“Thank you, Jones,” he stated. “Is there anything pressing I must see to?”

“Not at the moment,” Jones replied. “Should I send for your valet?”

Miles considered that there was to be planning at his family home and wondered whether he should be there or not. “Let me think about it. I am not sure whether I will remain here or at the family estate.”

He’d just removed his overcoat and was just in shirt and pants when Jones appeared at his bedchamber doorway. “My lord, you have a visitor.”

“Who?” He was not in the mood for company. The last thing he needed at the moment was to have some sort of social conversation. “Never mind. Tell whoever it is that I am indisposed.”

“Very good, my lord. I will inform Miss Blair—.”

He held up his hand. “Siobhan Blair?”

“Yes, my lord.” Although his butler kept his expressionless and impartial mask in place, Miles sensed that like everyone else, Jones found humor in the situation. The thought annoyed him and yet—he could see the humor in the situation, he supposed.

If he chose, that is. “I will see her.” Not wanting to hear anything else, he rounded the butler and went to the front room.

Siobhan stood next to the window, a picture of serenity as she peered out. It was surprising to see her standing. Wearing a morning gown in the shade of sunset orange, gloves, and with a small hat perched on her head, she looked every bit a lady. Which she was, of course.

“You came alone?” He asked, looking around the room.

She whirled around, taking him in head to foot. “I didn’t believe it when my friend Henriette told me she saw you riding past earlier this morning. You are well?”

“What do you mean?” He walked closer. “Why would I not be?”

Her gaze slid sideways as she seemed to consider what to say next. “Your mother said you had left for England.”

“I arrived late last night.” He looked around the room. “After all that has occurred, I am surprised you’d dare to come here alone.”

Siobhan motioned to the window. “My maid and Henriette are outside. I only wished to stop for a moment to speak to you. Are you aware our mothers—well, our parents—have decided we are to marry?”

Her vivid clear blue eyes met his and Miles took her in. She was indeed the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. Every time he saw her, it took his breath away and he noticed something new to admire in her. Today it was petal pink lips that were currently slightly parted and enticing as she waited for his response.

“I am aware. Father told me early this morning. It seems all agreements have been made. Were you there?” He wondered if perhaps his dream had occurred while she was there at his home. Of course, he had no concept of time.

“I was.” She tapped his forearm. “Miles, I want you to know that I would never wish to force you into marriage. Perhaps if you speak to your mother, there can be a way to disentangle all of this.”

For a moment, he was stunned into silence. Siobhan didn’t wish to marry him. Although he’d spoken against it, he’d not expected that she would try to find a way to break the engagement.

“I do not believe we can change the course of things.” He looked away, afraid she’d see the disappointment in his eyes and surprised that the feeling had permeated his heart.

“I am truly sorry,” Siobhan said, taking a step, then two, closer. “Are you cross with me?”

He met her gaze. “Of course not. I suppose this is my doing for bringing you here and putting you in this predicament.”

A look of confusion crossed her features. “Then will you be there?”

“At the engagement gala, yes.” He paused to take in her beauty. “I have been instructed to visit the tailor for a suit to match your lavender dress.”

Her cheeks turned pink, and he could not stop himself from reaching for her. He put his arms around her. “If there was a way to stop all of this, I would,” he finally said. “I do not wish to cause you a life of regret.”