Page 24 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman (The Marlow Family Secrets #3)

Rob was seated at the breakfast table. He was leaving tomorrow, moving into John’s town mansion in London, Pembroke House.

His friends were already in London. His own, independent life was to begin now, not the one funded by his father or brother. His friends knew his desire to go into politics, they would help him progress his plan to achieve a seat in Parliament.

Yet now he was leaving Caro behind… But this was not his home, nor his life, he could not stay here.

She had not looked at him this morning.

His heart thumped as he watched her drink a sip of chocolate.

‘I used to live in rooms in The Albany,’ Drew said. ‘They were nothing fancy, but they were suitable. I can give you a letter of introduction if you wish?’

Rob laughed. ‘And a letter from you would obtain my entry…? Forgive me, but as I recall you were heavily in debt and behind on your payments. I do not think your reference would help.’

Drew smiled. ‘Perhaps not.’

Caro chose another bread roll and began buttering it, as though she were oblivious to the conversation .

Rob was staying in John’s London property initially.

He did not want to live at John’s even for a day, but it was a necessary evil because he had done nothing during his stay here to find lodgings.

He would search for a suitable bachelor apartment from there.

At least he would have the house to himself as John did not plan to come to London any time soon.

Five weeks ago, this move to London had been all Rob wanted. Today, there was Caro…

Confusion and uncertainty marred the exuberance he ought to feel. It was a tug of war. He did not wish to leave her, yet he wanted to progress the plans for his life, and there was no option in between.

He hoped their brief affair was harmless. The numerous apologies and words of forgiveness they shared before they kissed ran through his head.

‘I could ask my friends to help you find somewhere,’ Drew offered.

Rob sighed. He liked Drew, he thought of him as a brother, but Rob was tired of being mollycoddled by the men in his family. In his plan, this was his moment of escape, when he stood on his own two feet and built a life off his own back, something that would make him proud of himself.

‘Thank you for the offer but I will manage on my own, and just as well as you did at my age, I am sure.’

Drew smiled wryly. ‘Sorry, I consider you my younger brother and forget myself. But, yes, at your age I would not have welcomed anyone’s intrusion in my life. Just know, then, that if you need us, we are only a couple of hours away. Please visit whenever you wish. You need not send us any warning.’

Rob nodded. ‘Thank you.’ Yet he would not come because he had become too close to Caro. He could not easily visit and leave again. ‘Caro, shall we take the horses out today?’ He must apologise to her again and say a private goodbye.

‘It is a bit hot for the horses,’ Drew commented. ‘They will be run ragged in yards. It is too humid. You should have gone earlier.’

‘Then we will ride out later in the afternoon. It will be cooler by then and we can ride on the woodland paths and stay in the shade. What do you say, Caro?’

Her gaze lifted. Her eyes were a luminous fluid pool of gold. ‘Yes. That would be nice.’