A Scoundrel's Surrender Read Online Free PDF

were coming. She had cried so much over Caleb Talbot, she resented that she was on the verge of doing so again, even after two years. “ Why did you do that to me?”
    At least Victoria had the sense to look repentant. She stepped closer, reaching out a comforting and steadying hand toward Marah.
    â€œI’m sorry. Perhaps I should have told you, but I feared it might keep you from coming to London. I realize it was selfish of me, but I need you here right now.” Victoria drew a breath and continued slowly, “And perhaps more importantly I think you need to see Caleb. And he, you.”
    â€œNeed to see him?” Marah burst out as she paced away from her friend. “Why in God’s name would you believe that? He made his feelings more than clear two years ago and again today when he said he would quit the house immediately upon seeing me.”
    â€œBut you must have seen his emotion when he said it,” Victoria said. “I certainly saw yours.”
    Marah pursed her lips. She had been too shocked to control her expression. She would have to work harder to do so in the future. “No, you are mistaken. There is nothing left between us.”
    Victoria shook her head. “No, Marah. Everything is left between you, and that is why you’ve hidden away for so long. And we both know that there are many reasons for Caleb’s departure from the city, but one of them is you .”
    â€œWhat are you talking about?” Marah snapped even as the blood drained from her cheeks.
    â€œYou haven’t ever spoken of it to me, but I know you two shared something powerful and instant two years ago when we came to London. I know when he left, your heart was broken, even if you tried to hide it. You have unresolved matters between you, and I think it would be good for you both if you finally faced them.”
    Marah spun on her friend, barely stifling a bitter laugh. Oh, how little Victoria knew. She had longed to tell her the whole story of the afternoon she and Caleb had shared two years before, but somehow had been unable. Victoria didn’t know the half of what had transpired that day, or in the days and weeks afterward.
    That was her private pain. Her personal hell.
    â€œCaleb . . .” Marah shut her eyes as her fingers moved of their own accord to the scar on her wrist. It was a permanent reminder of her last trip to London. “ Mr. Talbot didn’t wish to settle whatever was left unresolved between us when he had the chance to do so. And I want to move forward, not look back.”
    â€œBut you don’t move forward!” Victoria insisted. “You have been living in the past, locked away in Baybary.”
    Marah folded her arms. “Then be happy I’ve broken out of that shell and come here, but do not press me on the subject of Caleb, Victoria. It’s clear from his behavior today that he can scarcely stand the sight of me, so there is little use to wishing for or creating more than that between us. We will be distant acquaintances from now on. That is all.”
    Victoria seemed to wish to say more, but instead she shook her head slowly. “I’ll leave you to your rest, then. Again, I apologize for withholding the information about Caleb’s visit.”
    Marah looked at her friend. Victoria did look truly distressed, enough so that it softened Marah’s anger toward her. After all, Victoria was going through a great deal. It was Marah’s job to help her, and judging her friend for what she had done did not fulfill that task.
    With a sigh, Marah hugged her friend for reassurance. When she drew away, she shrugged. “Just don’t expect to orchestrate some grand reconciliation, Victoria. It won’t happen.”
    Victoria looked at her with incredulity, but said her good-byes and left Marah alone. After her friend was gone, Marah went limp against the door.
    A grand reconciliation. How often she had hoped for that,