Page 102 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

The smile on Lord Evan’s face dimmed. “You can’t possibly be this naïve?”

Jane removed her hand from his arm and took a step back. “Pardon?”

“I’m afraid that love doesn’t conquer all,” he asserted. “That is fantastical nonsense, and only happens in books.”

“I disagree.”

Lord Evan’s eyes held a profound sadness. “Love isn’t always enough,” he murmured. “Sometimes, if you truly love a person, you have to set them free.”

“And what if that person doesn’t wish to be set free?” Jane asked boldly as she stared into his eyes.

Lord Evan’s eyes flickered in surprise as Baldwin exited his study.

“I thought I heard Corbyn out here,” Baldwin said, placing a hand on his shoulder. “Come into my study.”

Lord Evan gave her a strained smile. “Thank you for escorting me, Lady Jane.”

“It was my pleasure, my lord.”

Jane remained rooted in place as Lord Evan walked into the study with Baldwin and closed the door. Would he ever admit that he held her in some regard, or would she be left pining after him for the remainder of her days? No, that would never do. Next time she saw Lord Evan, she would tell him how she felt and hope he felt the same.

Chapter Fourteen

As Baldwin closedthe door behind him, Corbyn walked over to the drink cart and poured himself a drink. He picked up the glass and took a long, lingering sip. He wanted to wipe from his memory the look of hurt on Jane’s face when they had spoken about love. He knew he couldn’t give her the one thing that he knew she wanted.Love. No, Jane deserved better than him.

Her eyes expressed volumes to him in unspoken words, and he knew that he was no good for her. It pained him to admit, but it was the truth. She deserved a marriage with someone uncomplicated whom she could trust completely. And that was most definitely not him.

“Is everything all right?” Baldwin asked, interrupting his musings.

“No.”

Baldwin joined Corbyn at the drink cart and picked up the decanter. “Did something transpire between you and my sister?”

“I did not come here to discuss Lady Jane,” Corbyn stated gruffly.

“I see that you are being especially pleasant this morning,” Baldwin joked.

Corbyn pressed his lips together. “I apologize, but I’m afraid I have a lot on my mind.”

“Such as?”

“My agents have scoured London and have found no sign of Kerley,” Corbyn shared, walking over to the mantel. “Not even a trace of him.”

“That doesn’t surprise me,” Baldwin remarked.

“I’m afraid he is going to strike again.”

“Why do you say that?”

“It’s just a feeling that I have.”

Baldwin picked up his glass and walked over to the settee. After he sat down, he said, “Kerley won’t be able to abduct Jane from Hawthorne House. I have hired additional guards to protect the perimeter.”

“It pleases me immensely to hear that.”

“Who else do you think he would target?”

Corbyn took a sip of his drink. “He could come after my family.”

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