Surrender to the Earl (23 page)
“I started out trying to rescue you, to appease my guilt, but I think your love rescued me.”
She held up a hand. “Robert—”
“Let me finish. I never could have done the things you have, left my family to begin anew, when Society doesn’t encourage women to form households. I never thought of a woman being courageous until I met you. I’ve seen men in combat, but you’re the bravest person I’ve ever known.”
She bit her lip, her eyes downcast, and didn’t respond.
“That’s all I wanted to say.” He stood up. “Think about our future, Audrey. Don’t give up on me, on us. I love you.”
And he walked out the door into a misty rain. He’d said all he could—now it was up to Audrey and the powerful love he hoped she bore him.
A
udrey sat still, at war with herself. Part of her wanted to call him back, and the other part was relieved he was gone, so she wouldn’t have to listen to his painful words, to risk being drawn back in against her will.
He’d tried to change himself, as had she. Neither of them had been perfect at it. But could she honestly trust him enough to put herself in his hands, to be vulnerable?
“I need to speak with you,” Blythe said from the doorway.
Audrey sighed. “Doesn’t everyone? Were you eavesdropping?”
“Only a bit, and only because you’re making it absolutely necessary. And now it’s my turn to speak my mind.”
Audrey groaned and tossed her crocheting on the table in front of her. “Then do it quickly.”
“You aren’t going to want to hear it.”
“Blythe!”
“I think you’re afraid to marry Robert. You think that because you’re blind, it gives you even more reason. But every woman who marries has to take an incredible risk, and you’re no different just because you’re blind.”
“Well, thank you for that,” Audrey said dryly.
“You know what I mean! Women put themselves in the hands of men every day, and sometimes it isn’t a success, as you already know from bitter experience. Did you love Mr. Blake?”
“You know I didn’t.”
“He married you for your dowry. Why did you marry him?”
“I—” Audrey broke off and had to swallow. “To start my own family.”
“And?”
“To get away from Father,” she finished on a whisper. “I . . . I used Martin just as much as he used me.”
“Then I guess you’re just as flawed as the rest of us—as Robert.”
Audrey bowed her head, and was shocked when tears dripped onto her clasped hands. “I’m so afraid to be hurt again, Blythe. It almost broke me when I understood how little regard Martin had for me. And then my sweet baby died, and I thought my life was over.”
“But it wasn’t. Your grief eased and you have begun a whole new life. Robert wants to be a part of it, however badly it all began between you. Do you want to be alone here but for the servants? You could have your own family, Audrey.”
Could she give up the camaraderie she’d shared with Robert, and the sweetest pleasure she’d ever known? His kisses made her feel like the most desirable woman in the world. She
loved
him, loved the honor that brought him to her, and the way he treated her as any other woman. Was she going to deny her heart?
She stood up quickly. “I sent him away.”
“I told him to stay, that I had some things you needed to hear. I’m interfering in your life. Get used to it.”
While Audrey gaped, she heard Blythe walk to the door and throw it open.
“Robert, she’s not done talking to you.”
She heard his heavy steps, smelled the cool dampness of the outdoors all around him. And she was suddenly shaking.
“I’ll leave you two alone,” Blythe said, closing the door behind her.
“Are you cold?” Robert asked, coming closer.
She shook her head, letting herself be surrounded in his warmth, the sweetness of love.
“I didn’t eavesdrop, if that’s what you’re wondering,” he assured her.
She shook her head again. Oh, God, was she really going to do this?
The room seemed alive with him in it, and the chance to touch him was all she wanted, all she needed.
“Oh Robert,” she whispered, reaching forward with her bare hand.
He took it, and she felt the dampness of his gloves. With a gasp, she ran her hands up his arms.
“You’re all wet.”
“I was out the door when Blythe called me back. She can be just as insistent as you.”
She covered her mouth against a bubble of laughter. “Oh, Robert,” she said again, closing her eyes as tears leaked between her lashes.
“Don’t cry,” he said hoarsely, gathering her against him.
She didn’t care that she was getting wet. She flung her arms about his neck and pulled his head down toward her. “Don’t leave me again. I love you.”
With a groan, he kissed her, sweeping her up until her feet dangled, and all she had for support was his solid body.
“Audrey, I love you.”
And then he was kissing her face over and over, and she was memorizing the feel of his, even though she knew she’d have a lifetime to do it.
“I trust you,” she whispered. “I want to marry you. I’m ready to find our happiness.”
“I think we’ve already found it,” he murmured against her lips. “And we’ll never take it for granted. I’ll go purchase a Special License, because I can’t wait through weeks of church banns to make you mine.”
“I’m already yours.” She cupped his beloved face in her hands. “I think I knew that all along. I promise never to fight my instincts again.”
“As if I believe that.”
They shared more kisses in the midst of laughter.
After a detour through fitness instructing
and computer programming, GAYLE CALLEN found the life she’d always dreamed of as
a romance writer. This
USA Today
bestselling author has written more than
eighteen historical romances for Avon Books, and her novels have won the Holt
Medallion and the Laurel Wreath Award.
Gayle lives in Central New York with her three
children, her dog, Apollo, and her husband, Jim the Romance Hero.
Visit her website at www.gaylecallen.com.
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This is a work of fiction. The
characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and
are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons,
living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
SURRENDER TO THE
EARL
. Copyright © 2013 by Gayle Kloecker Callen. All rights reserved
under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. By payment of the
required fees, you have been granted the nonexclusive, nontransferable right to
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EPub Edition JUNE 2013 ISBN: 9780062075796
Print Edition ISBN: 9780062076076
FIRST EDITION
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