Page 46

She blinked away the hurt as the music began to reach an end.

I won’t let this control me.

She bit her lip as she looked up at him for the first time since they began to dance. His eyes bored into hers, devoid of any emotion, confirming what she already knew.

He doesn’t love me. I

You need to let go before I end up like Mother.mother, Nora.

She chided herself, frowning as she looked away from him once again. Samuel didn’t love her, and he never would. She doubted he was capable of loving anyone—perhaps even himself.

I need to stop my feelings for you before it’s too late, Samuel.

The music ended just as she came to a decision. She wouldn’t pine for him, and she most definitely wouldn’t end up like her mother. It pained her that no matter how violent her stepfather got, her mother never saw fit to leave him. So chained by love, she would rather endure his harsh treatment than walk away from him.

Nora stayed a distance from the Duke as he escorted her back to her friends. She watched as he bowed and then walked away, slowly disappearing into the crowd until she could no longer see him.

She turned to her friends, who were staring in the direction he had disappeared.

“Thalia, Selina, I need your help,” she said, pulling their attention back to her.

“What do you need?” Thalia asked.

“I don’t think I can do this any longer. I have to run away, and I need your help to do so,” Nora said.

“Have you finally spoken with Lady Worlington?” Thalia asked.

Nora grimaced as she nodded. “I have. My mother will not be joining me. It appears I will have to do this on my own.”

“I’m so sorry, Nora,” Selina said, her eyes filled with concern. “I know you wished she would be with you.”

“Ah… yes,” Nora muttered under her breath. “I do wish things had turned out differently, but it appears there is nothing I can do to change her mind.”

Thalia placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “What do you need us to do? We will help you however we can.”

SheNora smiled, hoping that it conveyed her gratitude. “Thank you, ladies. I have thought about it. I will send a letter to my mother’s cousin to notify her of my plans to live with her. I will stay there and be a governess to her children so I can earn my keep.”

“That does seem well thought out,” Thalia said. “Are you certain she will allow it?”

Nora sighed. “I can only hope that she will. I have to be prepared for whatever happens, but there is little doubt in my mind that she will turn me away.”

“I suppose anything is better than living with your step-aunt.” Selina shivered at the thought of Nora living with Lady Mathilda.

They hadn’t met her yet. However, from what little Nora had told them and the actions of the Viscount, it was quite obvious the certain torture she was bound to endure if she lived with her step-aunt.

“I certainly hope that I can begin working as soon as I arrive there. It will help to keep my mind busy enough so I do not have to think of Lord Worlington or be consumed with fear for my mother,” she said.

“Perhaps I would even be able to forget about the Duke when I am able to do as I please, with no one breathing down my neck.”shoulder.”

“Perhaps you would be able to secure a husband there. One who will love and respect you, and will fully be your choice.” Selina giggled as Thalia shook her head at her.

Nora smiled at Selina’s enthusiasm. It would take some time for her to forget about the Duke, but Selina was not wrong. She would not live with the memory of a man tying her down and stopping her from getting all that she wanted.

“Perhaps I could,” she agreed with her friend.

From

Movement at the corner of her eye, she saw movement, distracting her from their conversation. Nora looked to the sidejust as a burly frame went out of sight. Her brow furrowed as she wrung her hands.