She understood that time would pass, and she’d get over him. She understood that he was correct, that she’d eventually accept she’d dodged a bullet when he’d declined to bind himself. After all, he owned a gambling club where he ruined men financially merely so he could grow obscenely rich.
What kind of person pursued such a wicked career? What kind of morals—or lack of them—did it take to be so cold-blooded?
Yes, she’d gradually heal and be glad he’d gone. But just that moment, when her wound was new and raw, she wondered if her heart might simply quit beating.
“You’re the most audacious oaf I’ve ever met.”
Caleb didn’t bother to peer over at Blake as he asked, “Why would you think so?”
“You traveled to Grey’s Corner for an acquaintance’s wedding, then you seduced his fiancée. I don’t imagine it helped spur the union to its logical conclusion.”
“I didn’t seduce her,” Caleb felt compelled to insist.
“I must point out that she’s severed her betrothal.”
“She’d been waffling long before I arrived,” Caleb firmly stated. “Our relationship simply galvanized her opinion.”
They were trotting away from Grey’s Corner, their horses clopping side by side. He was struggling to appear nonchalant, but he wasn’t having much luck.
“You didn’t seduce her?” Blake snorted with annoyance. “I could swear I just caught you kissing her senseless.”
“It’s not your business, little brother.”
“Was she expecting a commitment from you? It definitely looked as if she was.”
“We’re friends. Nothing more, nothing less.”
“A man like you can never be friends with a woman like her.”
“I realize that.”
“Does she though?”
“No.”
“Should I ride back and share a few facts about the type of cad you are? She probably assumes you’ll change your mind and return for her someday. I hate to have her pining away. You’re not worth the despair she’ll suffer as she waits and waits, but you never show up to claim her.”
He sighed with regret. “I wish I could be the man she needs.”
“Don’t tell me you’ll suffer as well. I’ll never believe it.”
Caleb shook his head, as if he’d been in a stupor. “I’m being ridiculous. Don’t pay any attention to me.”
“I never do.” Blake cast a sly glance in Caleb’s direction. “If you leave her there, she’ll end up shackled to Gregory. She won’t be able to deflect the pressure her uncle will apply, and how old is she?”
“Almost twenty-five.”
“A spinster by any measure,” Blake said. “Gregory is likely her one and only chance to have a husband. Considering what you’ve learned about him, can you bow out and let her marry him?”
“It’s none of my affair. I’m nobody’s savior, and I most especially can’t be hers.”
“So if you discover that she’s his bride, you’ll be fine with that?”
“Shut up, Blake.”
Blake chuckled. “I want to be sure you recognize the consequences you’ll set in motion by abandoning her.”
“I have no illusions as to her fate.”
“Have you ever wondered if you could be happily married?”
“No, I’ve never wondered.”
“Neither have I. I’m certain it’s beyond our ability.”
“I’m certain it is too.”
They reached the trees that would swallow them up, which meant the manor was about to vanish from view. He couldn’t stand it. He reined in and gazed back, studying the house, searching for Caroline.
She’d been too sad to escort him out, but he’d been positive she’d be watching from a window. He stared forever, but she wasn’t there.
Blake smirked. “Maybe she’s already over you.”
“I wasn’t looking for her.”
“You can deceive yourself but not me.”
“I feel sorry for her.”
“As well you should. She’s not safe with those people.”
“No, probably not,” Caleb agreed.
“Doesn’t that incense you?”
“Yes, but how can I aid her? The only viable solution would be to wed her myself, and I won’t do that.”
“No, definitely not,” Blake said. “The sons of Captain Miles Ralston should never inflict themselves on any female.”
“She deserves to find someone much better than me.”
“By slinking away, you’re behaving honorably?”
“I hope I am,” Caleb said.
“We never chatted with her about Father. With our stumbling on her like this, it seems as if we were destined to meet her.”
“She has very fond memories of him.”
Blake barked out a laugh. “Then he obviously fooled her—as he fooled everyone.”
“She was four when he found her on that island. Over the past two decades, he’s grown to mythical proportions in her mind.”
“We shouldn’t shatter any of her pretty recollections then. It would be cruel to tell her the truth.” Blake gestured down the road. “Are we going or what?”
“Yes, we’re going.”
Caleb couldn’t spur his horse to move though. He would never admit it, but he was incredibly distraught at the notion of parting from her. He didn’t understand why he was so dismayed. He barely knew her, and it was silly to have become so attached, but he couldn’t help it.
He couldn’t ignore the perception that Fate—or perhaps his dastardly father—had guided him to her, so how could he ride off without her? He’d convinced himself that he never wanted to be a husband, but what if that was a stupid idea?
He could rush to the manor and beg her to depart with him. He was vain enough to suppose she wouldn’t even pause to pack a bag. She realized that they belonged together. The impression of connection was so powerful. How could he disregard it?
What if he continued on with her, and it turned out he was ecstatically content? Shouldn’t he discover if that ending was possible?
His anxiety was spiraling, which was hilarious. He wasn’t a fellow who dithered and debated. He picked a path and marched down it. In his own defense though, he’d never been so conflicted.
He viewed himself as a confirmed bachelor. Caroline Grey had nibbled away at the foundation of his attitudes about his future, but they were both better off with fond memories. It was better for her to wonder what might have been. As to himself,
