The Trouble with Saving a Duke by Emma Linfield

Author:Emma Linfield
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2020-07-04T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Seraphina followed Oliver through the woods. The sounds of water rushing down the stream grew louder as they came closer. She sensed the anxiety in him which appeared to grow stronger the closer they got to the stream.

Then, at last, they turned a corner and it came into view. It was only a small stream, just enough to water one’s horse or splash one’s heated face.

He stopped for a moment and turned back.

“Sera?” He reached his hand out to her as she walked up to him and took it. The warmth of his hand in hers sent a shiver down her spine.

Am I making a cake of myself, indulging in these feelings? Allowing myself to hope for a future with Oliver?

She knew that their future was dim and depended almost entirely on his ability to find out who he was. Although even if he found out who he was, unless he was a noble man, her father would never consider a union between them.

No, he would insist she wed an earl, or a marquess. Better yet, a duke. No, even if Oliver turned out to be a wealthy merchant, theirs was a hopeless union. Unless she chose to go her own way, like Cynthia had done. Leaving behind the family and obligations. She glanced at Oliver. For him, she would. But there was so much that was unknown about him.

“You are lost in thought,” he commented as they walked along the water.

“I wonder what might happen once you remember who you are. What will become of…” she raised her hand which still clasped his, indicating their entwined hands.

“I do not know. I truly do not. I wish I could tell you.” He stopped and cupped her face. “What I can tell you is that you have made this terrible circumstance bearable. You have filled me with a joy that I am certain I never felt before.”

She felt her face fall as a thought came to her.

“But you do not know that. You may…you may have a wife. Have you considered that possibility?”

She wasn’t sure why this thought suddenly occurred to her, and why she had not thought of it sooner. Oliver, or whatever his real name was, could well have a family somewhere. Children even. And here she was, moon faced over him, and daydreaming about him. And defying her father to be near him.

He shook his head. “I am certain I do not. I cannot tell you how I know, but being near you, my body is so full of warmth and hope. I know I have never felt these things before. I know I…” he blushed suddenly and glanced at the ground, “I have never kissed a woman. I know it. You are the first. And you will be the last. I do not know how, but you are going to be by my side for the rest of my life. I will make it happen.”

She believed him. She had no reason to believe him, but she did.

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