James stood beside his carriage, watching Miss Beaumont walk away. As the distance between them lengthened, his heart grew heavier, he realized something had been taken from him.

She had seemed so lost as she'd pulled away from him. There had been a glimmer of tears in her eyes that he didn't understand. He wanted to go after her. There was something wronghe sensed it. He would escort her home, even if she protested. Whatever was in that letter had upset her greatly, and she ...