by Erica Ridley
Perhaps she was now “Lady” or “Mrs.” and no longer the Miss Noelle Pratchett he remembered.
He didn’t want details, he reminded himself. Learning she’d found someone else would serve no purpose, and discovering she was still unwed would not signify. And yet he couldn’t help but gaze at her hungrily as she broke from her friends and made her way to the refreshment table, right in his direction.
The moment she caught sight of him, she pulled up short. All traces of laughter disappeared from her eyes. “Silkridge.”
“Miss Pratchett,” he replied, bracing himself for the inevitable correction.
It did not come.
“Five years,” she said instead.
“You look lovely,” he blurted out, and could have kicked himself. She did look lovely. He had not meant to notice, much less give any compliments.
She ignored it. Her lips pursed. “I thought I would never see you again.”
“So did I,” he admitted. He had missed her so much, those first few months.
After that, he had done his best to push her from his mind. One should not dwell upon things one could not have. Such as a rekindled romance.
Or forgiveness.
She crossed her arms beneath her bosom. “No doubt you’re here for the will.”
Ten o’clock on the morrow. He wouldn’t be a single moment late.
“I shall be gone before you know it,” he promised.
“No doubt.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “You were last time, too.”
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About the Author
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels.
In the new 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Her two most popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rainforests in Central America, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Let’s be friends! Find Erica on:
www.EricaRidley.com
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