The Market Series by Sorcha Mowbray

Author:Sorcha Mowbray [Sorcha Mowbray]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Amour Press
Published: 2021-05-18T00:00:00+00:00

The sun had set, blanketing the sky in darkness. Stars twinkled overhead as she wrapped her shawl tighter about her shoulders. Brennan draped an arm about her hoping to offer her a bit more warmth. Excitement left him a little breathless as he anticipated proposing to Serena, and her accepting. Deep in his bones lie the knowledge she loved him; he saw it in her eyes every time their gazes met or they made love.

They rounded the corner following the hedges and a small gasp loosed from the feminine body next to him. “Oh, how lovely.”

They took in hundreds of candles flickering in the dark, casting a warm glow on the garden. Everywhere one looked sat a candle, except for a bench in the midst of it all. His confidence grew by leaps and bounds. He led her to the bench and lowered himself to one knee. A trembling hand came up to cover her mouth.

“Serena, I have made no secret of how I feel about you. You bring me joy and laughter and make me want to cosset and protect you from all that is wrong with the world. I cannot imagine our contract coming to an end and you no longer being here, in my bed, in my arms, or in my heart. I love you to distraction and most humbly beg you to please make me the happiest of men by becoming my wife.”

He opened a small jewelry box, identical to the one that had held the earrings she’d refused. The difference being, that nestled inside lay a sapphire-and-diamond ring. Her gaze sought his, but instead of joy he found heartbreak and sadness lacing her eyes.

“No.” A small, pitiful cry escaped from her as she stood.

A denial of his suit or something else?

“No, Brennan, I cannot marry you. I will not be responsible for ruining your life…your business. I came by your office this afternoon to invite you on a picnic.” She drew a deep breath.

“Serena, please!” He rose up from his knee.

“No, Brennan. I know. I know you are losing business, just as your sister said you would, because I am here. I told you before I would not tolerate being your downfall. I’m sorry, I cannot marry you. Please consider our contract severed.” She moved around him, leaving him rooted to the spot unable to move or object.

He was stunned by her speech as he groped about his mind for an argument. Precious little came to mind beyond the truth. “But, I love you,” he called out to her retreating back.

She paused, looking over her shoulder, the soft glow of the candles casting a halo about her. A single tear tracked down the soft skin of her cheek. “Good-bye, Brennan.”

And then she was gone.

Brennan collapsed to his knees and cried, surrounded by candlelight and alone in the garden. Sometime later, he picked himself up from the ground and resolved to find her. Make her see reason. Upstairs in her room, he found all of the gowns he had paid for, but no sign of her.

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