Once again she’d shaken him. By God, he’d been thoroughly duped by her father. What an elaborate ruse the man had created, complete with a special licence, a story about Mariel’s absence and Mariel’s cryptic note. Enough to convince the bastard suitor he’d been thrown over for a man with a title. Leo had fallen for it, without a single question. The realisation was like a dagger in the gut. He deserved Mariel’s anger. He’d not believed in her. He’d run away without a fight, so ready to believe her father’s lies. The dagger twisted. He might have gained happiness. She would have been spared pain. If only he had not been so easily misled, so abominably weak. He straightened his spine. Never would he show such weakness again. The truth sliced into him. He was responsible for her suffering. If he had done the right thing two years ago, she would not be betrothed to Kellford now.
What do You think about A Not So Respectable Gentleman??
