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Eleanor stared at the space he had just vacated in shock. His words reverberated in her mind, each word slicing through whatlittle resolve she had left. She knew the Duke must have had some reservations about their relationship, but to hear it put so plainly crushed her very spirit.

With the Duke out of sight, she let the tears fall. She had her answer.

She gave in to her tears and allowed herself this moment to grieve. As soon as she went back into the house, it would be business as usual. She would put herself to bed, wake up, and marry Simon. But for now, in this moment, she would grieve for what she could never have.

The sound of Eleanor’s tears tore at Derek’s heart, but he refused to turn around. He kept telling himself that he was doing this for her. She would have a better life with Hountshire.

Derek’s stomach churned. No matter how much he told himself, he couldn’t fully commit to the idea.

Derek turned down the hallway towards his study.

“Oh, good evening, Your Grace!” Charlotte was walking towards the staircase when she spotted him. “I was just about to turn in for the night. Although, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to sleep with all the excitement.” She looked over his shoulder. “Were you just out in the gardens?”

Derek looked behind him and thought of Eleanor still sitting on the bench with her heart broken because of him. He turned back to Charlotte. “Yes, I needed some fresh air. I’ve been busy these past few days and needed to get outside.”

Charlotte pursed her lips. “Yes, it’s been a few days since we’ve seen you. I was beginning to think you were avoiding us.”

Derek nodded. “Forgive me if I’ve been neglecting any duties I’m responsible for.”

Charlotte waived her hand. “Oh pish posh, I doubt you’re interested in all of the planning that’s been happening with the wedding. You didn’t miss anything.”

Derek nodded his head and opened the door to his study.

“Good night, Charlotte.”

She bowed her head, “Good night, Your Grace.”

When he was about to close the door, he heard Charlotte call out to him, “Your Grace?”

He turned and stood in the doorway. “Yes, Charlotte?”

“You will be there tomorrow, won’t you? For Eleanor?”

Derek rolled his lips. “I will try to be.”

“Try? This is a big moment, one we’ve all waited and hoped for. Why wouldn’t you be there?” Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “Unless you don’t approve of the match.”

Derek shook his head. “I never said that.”

Charlotte tilted her head. “No, you didn’t.” The way she was looking at him made him feel as if he was under a spotlight.

“He’s a perfectly suitable match for a girl like Eleanor,” Derek said.

Charlotte nodded. “Right. A girl like Eleanor.”

Derek was becoming uneasy in her gaze. “Is that all, Charlotte?”

She smiled. “Yes, Your Grace. I hope for her sake you will be in attendance tomorrow. I think it would break her heart if you weren’t.”

He made a noncommittal sound as he stepped back and closed the door. He stalked over to the window that looked out over the garden. He couldn’t see her, but he knew she was still out there.

Charlotte was wrong. He wouldn’t break her heart tomorrow; he had already broken it tonight.

CHAPTER 28

Eleanor sat while Sarah and her maid made sure every curl was pinned just so, and Charlotte adjusted the bow on the back of her dress.

“Mama, you were right; this dress is an absolutely beautiful color on Eleanor. It compliments her so well.” Sarah’s bright eyes peered over Eleanor’s head and met hers in the mirror. Eleanor heard the sentiment and wanted to acknowledge the sweet statement, but everything about this day felt wrong.