Page 62 of Married to the Lord

“He made some enemies and I received something of a beating when I refused to talk of Miles. Suffice to say, my brother is still riddled with guilt over the matter, despite it being years ago.”

“I had no idea.”

“But Miles is a good man, you know that or else you would not have fallen for him.”

“No,” she agreed. “I would not have.”

“He will come around.”

“I am not so sure.” She forced a smile. “But what of your lady friend? You should go back to Hungary and bring her here.”

He glanced down. “I am ashamed to say I have already done so.”

“Oh.”

“I had every intention of being faithful to you, Augusta, I promise. I just wanted to ensure she had a good life. Unfortunately, getting her settled here was harder than I anticipated. Hence, why I did not attend the ball. She ended up in rather a pickle with her landlord and I had to make assurances.”

She grimaced. “Poor woman. I cannot imagine being alone in a new country.”

“Gizella is a resourceful woman but it has not been easy, that much is true.”

“Well, you should make it easier on her.”

“I cannot.”

Augusta rose from her seat and Henry's gaze followed her. “You know you have been quite a coward in your attitude toward me, Henry. I should like to think you have learned from it.”

“I know, I know.”

“No, you do not know. You left me waiting for a long time and I wish both of us had summoned the courage to speak up sooner.”

“But—”

“Henry, marry Gizella. You know it is the right thing to do.”

He shook his head and grinned. “You were always so quiet, Augusta, whatever happened to you?”

She lifted her shoulders. “Love, I suppose.”

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