Page 60 of Landen

She needed him somuch that it was like a physical ache. She had not told her siblingsyet, preferring to keep this to herself. But she was feeling nauseousand sleepy all the time. She thought she could not keep it a secretfor very long.

*****

He was coming out ofhis office when she came to her feet.

“Sara?”

“I apologize.Your secretary was not at her desk, and I hoped to speak with you.”

“I don’thave time-”

“Just fifteenminutes.” She smiled slightly. “I am on my way to aluncheon anyway.”

With a formal nod, hepushed the doors open for her to enter. He could have used hisfather’s office but had decided against it. This one suited himmore, the elegance understated, and the windows offering anunrestricted view of the city of London.

At the moment, adense fog was creeping into the atmosphere and blotting out the sky,giving everything a gray and dismal look.

“Would you likesomething to drink?” He asked politely, going to the cabinet.

“Nothing forme, thanks.” She sat primly on a plush chair in front of themassive oak desk and clasped her hands in front of her.

“I hope youdon’t mind.” He poured a finger of scotch and took it tohis desk. He leveled his green eyes on the woman before him, admiringher pale beauty.

Her blonde hair waspinned back in a neat chignon, and her light blue eyes watched him.The shell-pink dress she was wearing did nothing for her faircoloring, and an image of Tessa came up, and he was almost groaningin longing.

“What is it youwanted to see me about?”

“Your mother isinsisting on a match between us.”

“I am aware.And so, I gather, are your parents? And you?”

She blushed slightlyand lowered her head. “I met someone.”

His eyebrows lifted.“I see. Anyone I know?”

“He is anobody-” She shook her head and tried again. “He is abrilliant intern at Her Majesty’s hospital.”

“And yourparents would never approve of you seeing someone like that.”

“No.” Shebit her lip and looked away. “I am in love with him.” Shefiddled with her bag strap. “I never expected it, but it justhappened, and I don’t know what to do.”

“Tell them.”

She blanched. “Icould never do that. They expect me to marry well, and I am afraid ofdisappointing them.”

“I am notinterested in marrying you.” He told her bluntly.

“I gatheredthat. You met someone as well.”

“I did.”A smile touched his lips. “It happened unexpectedly as well.And it did not take long for me to know that she was the only womanfor me. There could never be anyone else.”

“And she is inAmerica?”

He flinched at that.“She is.”

“How are youhandling the separation?”

“Not well.”He admitted. “I miss her every night, and the days are not muchbetter. But I am stuck here for now.” Leaning forward, hestared at Sara. “I would advise you to tell your parents beforethey find out. That is if you love the fellow.”

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