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“She was desperately poor, Miles. I could not leave her behind, even when I decided I needed to do the right thing by Augusta.”

Absorbing the information, he took in his brother's appearance. Henry appeared more relaxed than he had done since his return. “So this woman? What are you going to do with her?”

“Marry her, hopefully.” Henry uttered the words quietly.

“Does she have any connections?”

“None at all.”

Miles shook his head. “Mother will have a fit.”

“And you?”

“If you love her, you have my support.”

Henry's shoulders dropped. “Good. Excellent. You shall adore her, I promise. She's quiet but strong....rather like Augusta.”

He wished his brother would stop mentioning her. Though, he had to wonder, why had she broke things off? She had everything she needed in Henry—protection, wealth, looks, not to mention everyone loved Henry. That didn't change—

His pulse came to a juddering halt at the sight of the tall, slender woman by the riverside. Her feet were bare, her skirts slightly lifted and she was dipping her toes in the water. For a moment, he’d thought it was Augusta but it could not be. She would never be so close to the water's edge.

Damn it all, now he was going addled.

“I asked her to meet me here so we could discuss telling everyone of the broken engagement,” Henry said.

Miles twisted to view his brother, frowning.

“Augusta,” Henry explained, “I asked her to meet me here.”

Miles turned his attention back to the woman. Of course it was her. There was no one else who made his stomach twist and his skin heat as though he was standing by a furnace with just one glance. But what the devil was she doing?

“Well, I had better leave you,” Miles said tightly.

Henry shook his head. “I thinkIshould leave you.”

“Henry?”

“I wanted to see it for myself and now I have. You love that woman, Miles, and she certainly loves you.”

“But—”

His brother grinned. “Whatever or whoever you were in the past, you have proven yourself more than capable of protecting her. Hell, protecting all of us. Have you not provided for and protected me from my foolish decisions all these years?”

“But you were hurt, Henry.”

“I was but I can see you have no inclination of letting that happen to Augusta.” Henry jerked his head toward her. “Go to her.”

Miles hesitated, Every fiber of his being was pulling toward her but he wasn't certain he could dampen that voice inside him that told him he was not good enough for her.

“Go, Miles, or I shall force you.”

Nodding curtly, Miles directed his horse down toward the riverside, dismounting and tethering the reins to a strong branch. He waited for a moment, tucked just behind the tree, and watched while she dipped her toes into the water. Her shoes and stockings were discarded to one side and he smiled, despite himself. Augusta was so much more courageous than either of them had realized.

“Gus,” he said finally, the word rasping in his throat.

She spun, skirts in hand. “Oh!” She dropped them quickly, smoothing her palms down her crinkled gown. “Miles!”

He took a few steps toward her, unable to keep the quirked smile from his face. It had been mere days and he'd missed her so damned much. He fisted his hands at his side to prevent from taking her straight into his arms.