Verity's Choice: A Regency Historical Romance (Ladies of Munro Book 3) by Elizabeth Donne

Author:Elizabeth Donne [Donne, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2025-06-27T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

William led Miss Lockhart from the center of the room and reluctantly released her hand. He would gladly have danced another set with her. But he would not have her reputation tarnished. The last thing she would want was a rumor that they were engaged. The question was, would he mind all that much?

What a dolt he had been! Pining after Ellena as if she were the only woman in the world. Showing gross misjudgment in his conduct to secure her hand. Hindsight was a brutal teacher.

He looked across the room to where she stood in animated conversation with her husband. They were a good match after all. He was amazed to find himself happy for her. These were the only feelings that remained for her. That, and the lingering shame of his actions toward her.

Whenever he was around Miss Lockhart, it was as if a mist cleared from his mind. She spoke boldly, as Ellena—Lady Howell—had done, but it was matched with a clear sense of self. If he had known Lady Howell’s mind as well as he thought he now understood Miss Lockhart’s, he would never have… Well, it was all in the past now.

To think he might have made a sensible match with the vicar’s daughter. But he had not given the possibility a fair chance. His thoughts had turned constantly to Lady Howell and his motives had all been selfish. He could see now the potential in a future with Miss Lockhart. Except… he could not think what he had to offer. Yes, he had apologized. And yes, he had felt a change within himself. Or at least, the first steps toward it. But he had no business seeking her affections until he could be sure he deserved her.

William contemplated the crowded room. Before the night was done, Miss Lockhart would be a favorite. He had already lost his chance. There would not be time for another. Help her find a match, indeed! What had he been thinking?

Hmm, he knew exactly what he’d been thinking. Any excuse to spend more time with her. Perhaps he might even steer her away from other candidates…

No! He must not follow this way of thinking! That was the sort of madness that had quite run away with him before.

This great love he wanted—it must be a thing of wonder. Not tainted with manipulation and raw desire. It should burn a lifetime, slow and steady, not burst into unmanageable flames.

A smile formed despite his self-chastisement. Even a slow and steady fire could grow hot. And Miss Lockhart ignited just such vigor within him. For her rare blend of blunt honesty and devoted passion, he would give the world. And, in turn, receive it.

“I say, Cole, you don’t mind if I join you?”

Captain Larson came striding up to the small gathering where William stood. They all lifted their eyes to the newcomer, whose bearing was every inch that of a meticulously disciplined officer. William could see no harm in an introduction. The captain was an honorable man.

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