Page 12 of Pursuing a Duke
“I’ve been an arse. Gambling. He refused to cover my debts. I’m essentially homeless.” He wiped the tears from his face.“Christ, I’m a bloody mess.” He stood and groaned, “I shouldn’t have come here.”
“But you did. You may as well tell me why.”
He ignored her and made his way out of the room and down the stairs. He paused before the door and turned to her, his face full of anguish. “I came to say goodbye.”
Goodbye.Where was he going? “You are leaving London?”
“Yes. I’m setting sail tomorrow with Weston to the West Indies. It may be years before I’m back to stay.”
Years?Her heart stopped or shriveled and died—she couldn’t tell which. Nor did it matter. “I see.”
He moved forward so he stood only inches from her. “Before I leave, I want to know why Aiden was unhappy. He never drank to excess, especially when riding and hunting were involved. What did you do to him?”
Emmeline gasped and covered her mouth in shock. Was he blaming her for Aiden’s death? He wouldn’t be that cruel, would he? What had happened to the Andrew she had known... and loved?
He held up his hand. “Never mind. I don’t want to know.” With a look of contempt, he left her standing in the hall, her heart in her throat and tears raining down her face. Not only had she lost her husband but now the man who owned the other half of her heart as well.
