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“Bea—Miss Fowley?” Gage looked at every person in the room in shock.

“Yes. I need to go now. I stormed out of her house last night, probably making her believe that I hated her, but I don’t. I love her! I need to go to her.” Adam stalked toward the exit only to be blocked by Gage’s stately figure.

“Gage, please, just move. I shall explain everything when I get back.”

“We shall fill you in,” Isabel suggested.

But instead of outrage, confusion, or his usual confident demeanor, Adam was met with a gaze full of… pity?

“Gage?” Adam threw him a questioning gaze.

“Um… I don’t know what happened, brother. But she left.”

Everything inside Adam stilled, even his heart ceased beating for a moment. “What are you talking about?”

“She packed up her family and left for Northumberland early this morning.”

“No!” Adam’s heart started hammering in his chest. What have I done?

“I found it odd since they had a couple more days here, but I suppose you know what’s going on?”

Adam raked his fingers through his hair and tugged on his cravat, needing more air.

“She left this note for you, though.” Gage took the note out of his coat pocket. “And this.”

Adam extended his hand, and Gage placed his pocket watch into his palm. Adam’s heart squeezed painfully. She truly left!

He took the note from Gage and read the contents.

Dear Adam,

There are no words to express how deeply sorry I am for how things have turned out between us. I never intended to cause you harm. And I can never forgive myself for doing so.

When I started this list, my only intention was to experience life before being locked in an old and sturdy cage. But the more time I spent with you, the more I thought I had a chance at a better future. A future with you.

It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with you, and all those plans came crashing down.

Yes, I love you.

And I can’t live with myself knowing that I hurt you. I can’t live with myself knowing I trapped you in a relationship you don’t want.

I love you. But I can’t marry you like this. That’s why I refused to marry you before. And that’s the same reason I cannot marry you still.

So, I am leaving.

All your life you’ve lived for the duty of someone else. And I can’t stand being just another duty to you. I can’t stand to be the one to make you miserable.

Therefore I am going to marry Lord Lansdowne as planned. I wish you the best life possible. And I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

Thank you for the wonderful memories. I will cherish them forever in my heart.

Love,

B.

“What does she say?” Isabel asked quietly.

Adam swallowed, crashing the paper between his fingers. “That she loves me.”