Helena said, pushing the door open. Blue’s vivid eyes widened.“You are still here.”She moved toward him. “I could not leave you. I wanted to tell you, and I heard your conversation with your parents.”“Which part?”“All of it, I think. Spies aren’t the only ones who can eavesdrop.”A ghost of a smile played on his lips at the echo of his earlier words. “Then you know I chose you.” He held the vellum toward the fire again. “I will always choose you.”She placed her hand on his wrist and pulled the vellum between them. “I should never have doubted. Earlier, I spoke from fear. Lady Elizabeth told me about the annulment, and when I found you with the missive, it was the last blow. I couldn’t help but think perhaps you would be better off without me.”“Never.” He pulled her into his arms, holding her against his chest, her cheek pressed against the wool of his green coat. “I would be nothing but a husk of a man without you.” His voice rumbled through her, raising gooseflesh on her arms and calves.“And I won’t allow my insecurity to turn you into a husk.
