AllFreeNovel
Share Us
It is too late, my heart is already broken.
They swiftly washed and dressed. Ethan in unrelieved black and Charity once more a young urchin boy. In silence they descended the stairs once more and this time left through the front door walking the short distance to her brother’s home.
“Are you returning to Dorset,” she asked softly.
“Yes.”
The brevity of his answer sent a pang o hurt through her heart.
“Though Jenna’s ankle has healed, she wishes to sit out the rest of the season. I will return to the country tomorrow.”
As they neared her brother’s house, she slowed her steps, hoping to draw out their moments. A lone carriage rattled by, and she held her head down despite the ingenuity of her disguise.
I will miss you, Ethan.
Yet she did not say the words, and to her astonishment Charity realized she was afraid they might never connect again.
“If there are any consequences to tonight you will let me know right away.”
Oh! A baby. “Yes, of course.”
Charity knew then if she were pregnant they would marry right away. For a fervent moment she hoped she would fall with child, then the decision would be taken from her hands. He helped her slipped around the side gardens and searched until they found a window that opened.
“Go,” he said, helping her over and into the room. “Once you are in your room, light a taper. I will see it and know that you are well.”
Charity felt like her heart would burst knowing he watched her creep through the house and would linger until he was certain she was safe. Leaning through the open window, she pressed a soft, closed mouth kiss on his jaw. It was a mere brush, but she lingered, savoring the feel of his cool skin against her lips, his heady masculine scent into her lungs.
She almost crumbled. The ache was so terrible for a wild moment she wished she had never stolen back those letters and met this man who inspired her to feel so much, while his heart remained indifferent.
I love you.
“Good night, Ethan,” she murmured huskily, drawing back.
Except he followed her mouth, lifting his hands to cup her face. She expected him to ravish her mouth, but he placed an exquisitely tender kiss on her forehead, then the bridge of her nose, and finally her mouth.
It was soft, the brush of a butterfly’s wing, and in it she felt his farewell.
They might never see each other again after tonight. Well, at least for a year. She might encounter him next season.
“Good night, Charity.”
Wordless, she pulled away, turned around and walked to her bedroom in the perfect darkness of the townhouse.
