The Warmth of Snow: A PROPER HISTORICAL ROMANCE by Eljarbo Heidi

Author:Eljarbo, Heidi
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-24T00:00:00+00:00

August sat by the desk in his parlor going through his correspondence. Clouds covered the sky, and a heavy gloom hung over the land.

When his housekeeper entered the room, he folded the letter and put it aside. She looked as if she had something on her mind, so he lifted his eyebrows.

Stina tipped her head. “Miss Erica is outside talking to the stableboy. I’ll invite her in, shall I?”

A heavy lump formed in August’s chest. Should he tell Erica about his decision? He surely wasn’t ready and wanted to put if off even longer. But what was the use in postponing the dreaded conversation. He’d only be torturing himself, and in a way, deceiving Erica.

“August?” Stina jutted her chin and stared at him.

August swallowed hard and nodded. “Yes, of course. Invite her in.”

Only minutes later, Erica stepped across the threshold into his parlor and sat down. She belonged at Castle Linborg with him, and it felt right having her there.

Concentrate, August. You’ve thought this true. Don’t let your selfish thoughts overshadow what’s best for Erica.

She walked toward him like a ray of sunshine on an otherwise dismal day.

“Good day. I wanted to come by and see if you were well and rested after our ordeal in the snowstorm.”

“I’m well,” he said. “How are you?”

Erica smiled and told him about visiting Ingela in town, and how she’d spotted a herd of deer when riding to Castle Linborg. They discussed the feeling of freedom when galloping on horseback across an open meadow or trotting along a path in the forest.

All the while, August’s thoughts were on his decision…a resolution he meant was for the best, but one that would also cause a painful breach between them. He took a deep breath. No matter how broken he’d be to give up the woman he—in a short while—had learned to love more than life itself…he could not ask her to share her life with him. Determined to turn her away from his presence, he cleared his throat to get her attention.

She widened her eyes and stared at him. Even the frown between her eyes looked sweet on her gentle face. “What’s wrong, August?”

He shifted in his seat. “I am leaving Castle Linborg, and I don’t know when or if I’ll return.”

“Leaving? What do you mean? This castle is not any old building—it’s a valuable family treasure. I’ve seen how your heart appears in your eyes when you speak of it.”

He turned his gaze toward the window. “There are too many reasons.”

“August, look at me. Please talk to me. If you feel obliged to continue leading your battalion, I’m sure they could benefit from your knowledge and wisdom. But your injuries are reasons enough to let others take over.”

It was the first time she’d discussed the damage to his legs. Her eyes had a fiery strength, piercing right through him as she spoke.

She moved her chair closer and took hold of his hands. “Explain why the war or anything else is more important than continuing

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