Perhaps her brazen move had been a mistake. She could only hope no one else noticed her and Winston’s absence. Again, sheglanced at Lady Singleton to see her speaking with Winston, then starting toward Millie. The lady smiled and nodded at other guests but wasn’t deterred from her goal.
“We are going to have a discussion after this, dear cousin,” Prue muttered as she forced a smile.
Fear tightened Millie’s stomach, and she was grateful Prue didn’t abandon her.
“Ladies.” Lady Singleton nodded to each of them. “It has come to my attention that a...situation has arisen, and I would like an explanation.” Her blue-eyed gaze held on Millie. “If something untoward occurred, tell me now, and I will move forward as is appropriate.”
Millie’s heart threatened to beat from her chest. This was her chance. One word—a nod even—and Winston would be hers for the rest of her life.
There would be no need to worry about Dunthorpe. Her parents would be upset, but they’d soon forgive her. After all, she would be marrying a marquess, the first of their daughters to gain a title.
Her entire body trembled at the thought of marrying Winston. This was what she wanted. What she’d hoped for these last few weeks. Her gaze shifted to Winston, who remained by the door, watching her, his expression unreadable.
The truth struck her like a lightning bolt—she loved him with all her heart. With every fiber of her being. They could be so happy together.
No. She couldn’t do it.Wouldn’tdo it.
Tears threatened at the realization because she knew this was her last chance. Time was not on her side. If Winston truly wanted to marry her, this moment would’ve prodded him into action. It should have been a nudge on his shoulder to move forward.
Instead, he stood near the door, waiting to see what events unfolded. In truth, it was so like him not to take action but rather accept whatever hand fate dealt him.
The ache in her chest made it difficult to breathe, yet she lifted her chin and attempted a smile at Winston, then shifted her gaze to Lady Singleton.
“Not at all. Nothing occurred.” She shook her head, glancing at Prue, praying she would support her. “I was only absent from the music room a few minutes.” She touched Lady Singleton’s arm. “Thank you for your concern, but all is well. There is no cause for alarm.”
The woman frowned. “If you’re certain...”
“I am.” Millie looked to Prue, begging her to confirm her statement.
“Yes.” Prue’s smile was tight. “She wasn’t gone long. If Millie says nothing happened, then nothing did.”
“You are sure all is well?” Lady Singleton’s persistence only made her heart hurt more.
“Absolutely.” Only nothing felt right in Millie’s heart. And when she stole another glance at Winston, he was gone.
Chapter Sixteen
Winston poured himself anotherdrink from the crystal decanter on the sideboard but already knew it wouldn’t erase the image of Millicent shaking her head to Lady Singleton’s inquiry.
Two days had passed, and he had yet to remove her response from his mind. The moment had given him his freedom, something he should be grateful for.
Instead, he felt empty.
Nothing seemed to fill the void within him. The memory of Millicent in his arms and the way she’d made him feel left him hollow. It had taken all his fortitude to keep from claiming her in that sitting room. Even now, he ached at the mere thought of her. But more than just his body hurt. It seemed his heart and soul were now hers.
He rubbed a hand over his chest, beginning to wonder if his heart was failing him given how much it pained him. What was wrong with him that he couldn’t put her from his mind? He’dhad no choice but to leave the musicale before matters grew worse. Yet that decision left him feeling as if he’d failed.
There could be no doubt he’d disappointed Millicent. Then again, he’d disappointed himself as well. It was no surprise that she hadn’t sent word to meet again.
In truth, she deserved better than him. His walking away had surely confirmed that to her. She should marry someone who would treasure her and buy her books and discuss them with her. Someone who could make her smile and bring her joy. Not strap herself to a man who was contrary, stubborn, and thought only of himself.
He wandered the length of his study and back again, too distraught to have the energy to pace. A glance around revealed no traces of his father. The paintings on the walls, the globe on a stand, and the ornate inkwell on the desk were items he’d personally chosen. Unfortunately, he’d had less success freeing himself from his father’s traits.
Daylight had faded to dusk. He paused at the window behind his desk and took another sip only to set aside the glass with a grimace, wondering how he was going to fill another empty evening.
A knock sounded at the door, but he couldn’t bring himself to care who it might be. Not even when voices echoed in the hallway.
“The Duke of Trentworth is calling, my lord,” his butler announced.