Page 56 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman (The Marlow Family Secrets #3)

Caro walked down the front steps of John’s town house for what she imagined would be the last time.

She had no intention of returning to London.

This was no longer her life. She lived in London society for years when she was married, and endured the shallow friendships, gossip and stabs in her back.

Now she was divorced she was free from it.

She had only come back to see Rob, and to prove to herself she was strong enough to face these people.

Now she had done those things, she could leave, and return to the quiet life she was forging for herself in the country – and hope that in time Rob would propose again .

If he did not, she refused to think it a bad thing.

If he did not, then at least she had known a summer with him, a summer that entirely changed her life, and it would be enough.

She had endured a dozen farewells before leaving the ball last night. There were none to endure this morning, as to make the journey easier on the children it was barely after dawn.

Drew carried a sleepy George against his shoulder, the child was sucking his thumb, and Mary carried Iris, still wrapped in her blanket .

The ground was covered with a layer of slippery frost, so Caro held Mary’s elbow to support her as they navigated the pavement to reach the carriage.

When the groom opened the door for them, warm air breathed out. The staff must have put the hot bricks in some time ago.

‘Let me hold Iris while you climb up?’ Caro offered.

As soon as she had her niece in her arms the warmth of love glowed. She would always have the comfort of her brother’s children. Once Mary was seated, Caro passed Iris back and accepted the footman’s hand to climb up.

Drew followed, then the door was closed. A moment later they were on their way out of London.

She had escaped London once before, terrified and heartbroken as she ran from Albert. Today, her heart ought to be breaking because she was leaving Rob behind, but it was not. She felt strong, proud of herself, knowing she had done the right thing.

Even if Rob never came back to her, she would be happy with no shame to imprison her, and he was the one who gave her that possibility.