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Henry nodded. “Indeed. And I intend to make things up to you. To you and Augusta. I shall be here to help with anything you need. Put me to work. If travelling taught me anything, it was how to labor.”

“I will certainly not refuse any aid from you, Henry.”

“Excellent.” He finished the cup of tea before setting it on the tray in the middle of the table. “But before I do anything, I must speak with Augusta. It is high time we set a date.”

Miles had known it was coming. Maybe he’d been in denial, believing that Henry might in fact want to break things off. It didn’t matter though. It still struck him like ten rounds to the gut. He drew in a breath and forced his expression to remain neutral.

“You still wish to marry her then,” he said.

“Of course. After all, I made the girl a promise, and what sort of a gentleman would I be if I just broke it off after making her wait for so damned long?” Henry paused, a crease appearing between his brows. “Unless you can think of a reason that I should not.

Miles shook his head slowly. “No, no reason at all.” He forced a painful smile. “No doubt, Augusta will be thrilled to hear you say such a thing.”

“Excellent. With any luck, she shall forgive me quickly enough for my absence when I make quick with setting a date.”

“No doubt she will,” he agreed.

Because Augusta was too damned good for either of them.