Duke of Storms by Jennifer Monroe

Author:Jennifer Monroe [Monroe, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-08-27T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Standing beneath the covered stoop outside the Babbitt home, Lucas swiped at the rain that covered his overcoat. The rain had held back its deluge until he stepped from the carriage, and he had not even had time to open an umbrella before water was running off the brim of his hat.

He considered the words Miss Barrington spoke earlier. Apologies never came easy for him, and when he had asked for forgiveness in the past, his motives had always been selfish. Perhaps they were now, as well, but regardless, he needed Ingrid’s friendship, for he had few friends in this world.

He pounded on the door, and it opened to Osmond, Ingrid’s young butler.

“Your Grace,” the man said as he took a quick step back. “Please, come in out of the rain.” He helped Lucas out of his coat and took his hat. “Lady Babbitt is in the drawing room. Would you like me to announce you?”

“That will not be necessary, Osmond,” Lucas replied with a smile. “I know the way.”

The man gave him a deep bow and moved to put away the dripping coat and hat Lucas had been wearing. Lucas then walked across the lavish foyer to the drawing room, admiring the manner in which Ingrid had redecorated in the Neo-Classic fashion favored by the ton at the moment. She had always been one to keep up with the latest styles, and her house reflected it.

He peeked through the drawing room door and spied Ingrid standing with a glass of wine peering through the window. It was not until that moment that he realized how important her friendship was to him. If she did not accept his apology, he would be devastated.

She turned from the window and gasped when she saw him. “Lucas?” she said, placing her hand against her breast. “What are you doing here?”

Lucas walked over to stand beside her. “I came to apologize,” he said. “My actions when you were last in my home were uncalled for; in fact, they were horrible.” He took her hand in his. “I am very sorry. I value our friendship more than you can imagine, and it is something I do not wish to lose.”

“Your smile,” she said in what appeared to be contemplation. “It is bright and addictive.”

“My words, my actions, the accusations.” He shook his head. “My temper,” he added with a sigh. “You were correct when you said that I have allowed you to be the recipient of my anger, and you are the last person I wish to hurt.”

“I know that,” she said in a quiet tone. “It is why we are, and always will be, great friends, even in the worst of times.”

Lucas was dumbfounded by her words. “Then you forgive me?” he asked in wonderment. “After I accused you of…” He cleared his throat, for the words were difficult to say. “Even after my accusations of trying to seduce me?” Hearing the words aloud made them all the more difficult to stomach, and he felt a complete fool for having thought them in the first place.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.