Page 41 of Scandalous Heiress
She shook her head.“No.”
Stunned, Victor cocked his head.“What?”
“I cannot receive you.”She caught back scalding tears.“Do not call.”
All light left his face.
She had shattered him.
“If you’ve heard rumors of my wife—”
“No, I…it’s nothing to do with her.It’s me.”She seized a breath.“I love my family.They are quite wonderful.And I’d never dream to leave them to travel to the other end of the world.Not in the autumn.Not…”
“Even in the spring?”
“No.I—I’m sorry.I cannot.As you could not move beyond your own challenge, this is mine.”
She left him, headed for the door, grateful he didn’t waylay her.But there, she paused.“I have a favor to ask.”
“Anything.”
Against her better judgment, she faced him and he slowly turned toward her.“I will leave in the morning.Chaumont comes too, of course.Ezzie may come with me.”
“Where?”
“London.We’re going to my family.Ezzie likes mine, prefers it to her own.”
“I’m sorry, Ada.”
“I’m fairly certain Ezzie will leave with me, but in case she doesn’t, protect her please.”
Surprise etched his brows.“Why wouldn’t she go?”
“Oh, Victor.She wants Richard.Or she thinks she does.”She waved a hand.“Her mother for years has pushed her toward getting a husband and Ezzie thinks she’s incapable of finding another beau.”
“But she has.Edgecombe has a very reputable character.”
“I’ve not met him before but nonetheless, I would agree with you.”
He stepped closer.“Right you are to leave.”
Against all logic, she wished she could stay, become his.His to embrace, his to kiss, his to treasure.
“I will miss you, Ada.”
That tested her will to remain.But fear prevailed.“Goodbye, Victor.I will remember you with fondness.You possess every quality of a man I could adore.”
