The Duke Is But a Dream by Anna Bennett

Author:Anna Bennett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

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Caroline swiped at her eyes as she walked down the street, clutching her bag to her chest. She’d only walked a few blocks, but the enormity of what she’d done had already begun to sink in. She was a young woman with no name, no money, and no home, walking through the streets of London. Alone.

She should have asked Delilah if she could borrow some money, but she would have begged Caroline to stay, and refusing those pleading blue eyes of hers would have been far too difficult. So Caroline had grabbed the few coins she possessed and slipped out of the back door, determined to find a boardinghouse where she could stay until she found some sort of position—as a companion or governess or maid. The neighborhood was as unfamiliar to her as the rest of her life, so she would have to ask a stranger about possible places to stay.

For now, however, she walked, taking long, sure strides that helped her burn off her anger while also putting distance between her and Nash. She cursed him for not being the man she’d hoped he was, and she cursed herself for being so naïve. For giving him her heart.

Leaving him was no doubt the best course of action. But the ache in her chest made it difficult to breathe. Night had fallen, and a chilly breeze raised the gooseflesh on her arms. She hadn’t brought a shawl—it was bad enough that she’d run off wearing Delilah’s gown. All Caroline had with her was the bag containing a few coins and her journal.

Half a block ahead, two elegantly dressed women and a tall gentleman ambled down the pavement toward an awaiting carriage. Dressed in evening finery, they looked as though they were heading to a ball or the opera. Caroline walked a little faster as she debated whether to approach them. Chances were, they would take her in for the night, and that was all she really needed. In the morning, when her head was clearer, she’d begin looking for a place to stay and for some sort of work.

A footman opened the door of the carriage, and the trio began climbing in. Caroline opened her mouth to call out to them, then stopped. If she ran away, she’d be doing exactly what she’d accused Nash of doing—avoiding the pain and refusing to do the work of healing and growing.

Blast. She paused and leaned against a brick wall, inhaling deeply.

“Caroline!” Nash’s voice shot through the night air, lancing her heart. He’d come searching for her. And after all they’d shared the night before, she couldn’t turn her back on him. Not without hearing what he had to say.

She pushed herself off the wall and walked toward him slowly.

His boots slapped the pavement as he ran closer, gasping for air. When he stopped beside her, his expression was a mix of anguish and disbelief. “Where are you going?”

She gazed into his amber eyes, determined the vulnerability she saw there wouldn’t weaken her resolve.

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