Page 60 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
Rob’s presence had lit this house up; they would all miss him. But Caro knew she would miss him the most. Her heart cracked a little more as he held George close enough to pet the horses.
A groom held their heads. The one George patted shook out its mane. George giggled.
‘I like you’ ho’ses,’ George said.
‘They are rather fine, aren’t they?’ Rob patted the animal’s neck too, more firmly, then turned and put George on his feet.
‘Come here, scoundrel.’ Drew reached out and caught George up in his arms.
What she said to Rob had been true – she had not expected promises and she thought he would leave and forget her.Shewould forever remember this summer, and when Rob was gone, she would ease her sorrow with the children and the pain of separation would pass, and she would refuse to regret it. But her heart would be left in a pile of small pieces.
Mary stepped forward, wrapped her arms about Rob’s neck and pressed a kiss on his cheek before letting him go. ‘Thank you for coming to stay, we have all enjoyed your company.’
‘Thank you for inviting me. It has felt like my own home.’
Rob turned to Drew.
‘Goodbye,’ Drew stated, holding out a hand, as George balanced on his other arm and clung about his neck.
Rob shook hands. ‘Goodbye. Thank you for your hospitality and company, you have kept me entertained.’
‘You’re welcome.’ Drew grinned.
Caro’s heart felt as though it would burst. This parting was too painful.
‘Caro,’ he said, facing her.
She stepped forward.
This was their very last moment.
Her mind recalled the things he said this morning.
‘Goodbye,’ she said quietly.
He held her hand and squeezed it for an instant, then bowed and lifted her hand to his lips. He kissed the back of her fingers, then straightened. ‘Thank you for allowing me to come to know you.’
She blinked away tears. ‘Thank you for giving me the courage to do more than I have done in years.’
‘The courage was always yours.’
A blush burned her skin.
He released her hand. ‘Goodbye, Caro.’ He nodded and smiled.
She nodded, no longer able to speak.
He climbed up into his carriage. So athletic.
Her heart climbed up there with him.
He flicked the straps, setting the horses into a walk, and lifted a hand to wave.
‘Goodbye.’
‘Goodbye,’ Mary and Drew called.
‘G-bye!’ George shouted, waving hard.
