Page 33 of My Dearest Duke

Her gaze searched over him, looking for those scars.

“Mostly on my back and arms.” When a timber had fallen on him.

Tears swimming in her eyes, Vanessa swallowed again. “I’m sure you would’ve saved him if you could have done.”

Shame and guilt pummeled Kingston.

He couldn’t tell her the truth.

Not now.

Not ever.

Coward. Poltroon. Weakling.

Not all the funds had been transferred to him yet, and he felt certain if she knew the unforgivable details, she’d order the coach back to London in a heartbeat and begin the process of annulling their vows.

He was a despicable, mercenary blackguard.

What I do, I do for my family, he argued.

Only your family?

Firmly disregarding the irritating voice taunting him, Kingston, instead, settled on another truth. Not the one she deserved, but it would have to do.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret I couldn’t trade places with him.”

Her wide caramel-brown eyes rounded impossibly more enormous, and she astounded him by shaking his hands gently in hers. How had he not noticed the ring of forest green around the outside of her irises before? Or the flecks of gold shimmering in those mesmerizing depths?

“Never, ever say that, Kingston.” Vanessa gave his hands a small shake for emphasis. “Who would care for your family? True, I’ve grieved terribly, but my future is secure. Without you, your sisters and brothers would’ve suffered greatly.”

Was there ever a woman as unselfish and considerate as her? Her kindness and generosity overwhelmed Kingston. Would that he could be even fractionally worthy of her praise.

“I’m so happy you sneaked into Fortuna, Vanessa.” He freed one of his hands, then lifted one of hers and brushed his lips across the back.

She wiped a droplet from the corner of her eye with a knuckle, giving him a tender smile. “And I’m glad you were there to rescue me. I cannot help but think Gabriel would have approved. Someday, will you tell me what happened? I should like to know.”