Page 92

Still, I didn’t want to disappear into the night without a word. I have so much I want to say to you though I’m not entirely sure just how much of it I should say. I should also mention that it would probably be smart to burn this letter once you’ve finished reading it.

I would hate for anyone to stumble across it and jump to any unsavory conclusions about us. You and Felicity both deserve good futures, and I don’t want to jeopardize that for either of you more than I already have.

It seems I’ve already done more than enough damage to both of you. I won’t do it anymore. You have my word on that. It’s time for me to take responsibility for my situation myself.

But I’m getting distracted, and I don’t have all night to write this, so I really need to focus.

Back to the point at hand. I want to start by thanking you again for everything you’ve done for me. I don’t think anyone has taken the time to ask what I want the way you did since before my father passed. Sure, my mother has tried, but it isn’t like she could do much with Simon breathing down her neck. I haven’t gotten to pick as much as the fabric of my gown in years let alone have the choices you tried to give me. Even if I wasn’t able to make the choices I wanted, I appreciate it more than words can say. You’ve shown me a glimpse of freedom I will value and cherish for the rest of my days. Your kindness will stay in my heart for all time.

Not only that, I will never forget the time and care you showed me, especially last night. I am glad my first kiss could be with someone who seemed to care about me, and who, if I’m honest, I have grown to care about myself.

I will treasure the time we spent together.

Tell Felicity I will have the piece I made for her delivered when it’s finished. I doubt I will be able to see her for some time. Please make sure she knows she didn’t do anything wrong.

Nothing that happens now has anything to do with either of you, and I hope you both are able to accept what cards we have been dealt and move on to live the full lives you both deserve.

I hope Felicity finds a man worthy of her love and admiration.

I know you do not wish to marry, so I won’t wish the same for you, but I hope you find whatever it is you are looking for. Whatever it is that will make you happy. You deserve it more than anyone.

Thank you again for everything,

Amber

Christopher stared down at the page in shock.

This couldn’t be what he thought it was. She said she would trust him. She wouldn’t just leave, not like this.

She would have told him at least, surely.

Except in a way she did.

That was exactly what this note was.

No, he shot to his feet, shaking his head. He couldn’t accept this. He needed to do something.

And he knew just what to do.

Christopher threw on the first thing his hands touched then stormed down the hallway.

He made his way down the hall. He knew who was behind Amber’s sudden disappearance, and he wasn’t going to let him get away with it.

Finally, the door to Simon’s room came into view. Christopher squared his shoulders and prepared to confront him, but before he could, it swung open.

Simon was the first to step out, a smug look on his face, two figures making their way behind him.

“Your Grace!” he grinned. “How wonderful to see you this morning. You can be the first to hear the good news.”

Christopher paled, heart in his throat. Whatever he was about to say could not be called good news, he was sure of it. Still, he had to ask, “What good news?”

Simon pulled one of the figures from behind him with a smug look on his face. Who he saw made his blood run cold.

Horror filled every fiber of Christopher’s being when he saw it was Amber.

Her eyes were locked on the ground, face drawn and pale. She looked so unlike the person he had come to know. Gone was the fire and fight he had come to admire. Every ounce of spirit seemed to have been drained from her and given to the smug men surrounding her.

Christopher didn’t need to know what had been said to know she was trapped, mentally if not physically. Still, there was something about how they clustered to either side of her, making it clear she had no business going anywhere.