She lifted her head to meet his sorrowful gaze. It would be cruel to tell him about her father’s threats, and unnecessary now, for even in his question there was a kernel of acceptance. Deep down, had he, too, had doubts? she wondered. That, too, was now irrelevant. “I’m sorry.”

His arms tightened around her. “What will I do without you?”

He sounded so unlike himself, so utterly shaken to the core. Margaret tightened her arms around him. “I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

She felt him take a ragged breath before setting her at arm’s length. “Was it wrong of me to dare to fall in love with you?”

“It was wrong of me, to allow us both to dream. I love you, but in my heart I have always known that we had no future, no matter how much I wanted to believe it. I am truly sorry to have to tell you like this. I know I should have told you sooner.”

“You tried to tell me from the first, but I didn’t want to listen.”

His hair had fallen over his brow. She ached to smooth it back. “I shall miss you terribly.”

“And I will miss you, more than I can say.”

“And Susannah, too. Will you say goodbye to her for me?”

Sebastian nodded, biting his lip hard. Her heart felt as if it was being squeezed, seeing the effort he was making to control himself. Two steps, and she would be in his arms once again. One last embrace, one last kiss to remember him by, was all she wanted.

He leaned in, his mouth hovering over hers, but then changed his mind, pressing a feather-light kiss on her forehead instead before turning away. “Go now, I beg you. Goodbye, Margaret, and God bless you and keep you safe.”

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Nineteen

MY DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN neither lightly or rashly. I have considered the matter very carefully. Your daughter has a simple choice. You will explain that choice to her, and when you have been informed of her decision, I will act accordingly.”

Charlotte recognised, from the set of her husband’s mouth, the clipped tone which he so rarely used with her, that to protest was futile. “I had no idea that Margaret intended to speak to you yesterday.”

“I have never in my life been addressed in such a manner.” Walter snapped the pen he had been holding in two. “Frankly, I doubt you will be able to persuade her to see sense. She was defiant to the bitter end. However, I am not a tyrant, regardless of what she thinks. I will grant her this one last opportunity to do the right thing. If she rejects it, she must face the consequences.”

“But, Walter . . .”