Page 75 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“I think you love me,” he said. “But you never would have loved me had it not been for my money and my title. You fell in love…but you fell in love with a Duke. What if I had been an Earl, or a Baron? You would never have looked my way.”

“And I would have missed out on the love of my life,” she whispered.

Hugh shook his head. “I’m afraid I can no longer do this, Lady Esther,” he said. Returning to formality now made their parting feel a little easier.

“Please,” she said. “Please, Hugh. Forgive me. I didn’t know what I was doing. Everything is different now.”

“But when I look at you, all I can think of are manipulations and lies,” he said. “I thought you were different, that you would never try to manipulate me the way other ladies have. The truth is that you were far more skilled at it than anyone else has ever been. You deceived me. And even if you have changed your mind now, I can’t forget the way you made me feel.”

He turned and made his way toward his carriage.

“Hugh!” Esther called after him.

He didn’t turn back. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her again.

It wasn’t until he was in the carriage with the door shut that he allowed himself to relax, to really feel the pain this evening had wrought.

I was betrayed by her. Deceived by her. And yet…I still love her.

He wasn’t sure how he would get over this pain. But he would have to do his best to put Lady Esther out of his mind for good.

Chapter 28

Esther stood watching, numb with shock, as Hugh left.

With every step he took, she expected that he would turn around. That he would change his mind. Surely he couldn’t be walking away from her for good. Not after everything they had been through together, everything they’d shared…

But he didn’t look back. He climbed into his carriage, and as Esther watched, it pulled away.

She was alone in the path in front of Harcourt Manor. Alone under a sky full of stars.

She became aware, suddenly, of the fact that her aunt was probably waiting inside to see what would happen. Aunt Tabitha would be delighted by this. Everything she had said and done tonight had been designed to push Hugh away from Esther. Her plan had been a success, and she would be giddy.

Esther thought that if she had to look at her aunt right now, she might scream.

But there was no avoiding it. She couldn’t very well stay out here under the stars all night.

She turned and hurried back into the Manor.

Aunt Tabitha and Eugenia were standing in the doorway that connected the dining room to the foyer. Eugenia looked stricken. Aunt Tabitha, though, had an expression on her face that was almost gleeful.

“Esther,” she called. “Come into the sitting room, dear.”

That grim smile. That spark in her eyes, as if she couldn’t wait for the conversation that was to come.

Esther couldn’t bear it.

She rushed past her aunt and up the stairs.

“Esther!” Aunt Tabitha called after her.

Esther ignored her.

You ruined everything. You did it on purpose. And now you expect me to sit with you and listen to what you have to say? No. Not a chance.

She made it to her bedroom, hurried inside, and bolted the door behind her. She didn’t trust Aunt Tabitha not to come after her and try to force her way inside.

Amelia was already here, laying out Esther’s night clothes. She turned in surprise when Esther entered the room. “My Lady, what’s wrong?” she asked in alarm. “Are you ill?”