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Louisa, sitting opposite her, offered a comforting presence but knew better than to break the silence.

As the carriage rattled along the familiar roads, Verity’s thoughts turned to Faye. Her cousin had always been a source of solace, someone who understood her in ways few others did. If anyone could help her make sense of the turmoil she was in, it would be her.

Upon arriving, Verity was greeted warmly by Faye, who instantly sensed her cousin’s distress.

“Verity, darling, what has happened?” she asked, her voice full of concern.

Verity sighed deeply, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“It’s the scandal sheets, Faye. They are saying terrible things about me, and Henry... he was furious. He does not understand.”

Faye guided Verity to a comfortable seat in the drawing room, signaling for tea to be brought in. “Tell me everything,” she urged gently.

Verity recounted the morning’s events, her voice shaking as she relayed Henry’s harsh words and her own frustration with him, and with the world as well.

“I feel so trapped,” she admitted. “I don’t know what to do. I cannot bear the thought of marrying Ambrose, but I have no other options. I can see that now.”

Faye listened intently, her eyes filled with understanding and compassion. She reached out and took Verity’s hand in hers.

“You must follow your heart, Verity,” she said softly. “I know the expectations of society can be suffocating, but your happiness matters more than anything else.”

Verity’s tears began to flow freely. “But what can I do? Henry will never understand. He sees my actions as selfish, and I feel so powerless.”

Faye squeezed her hand reassuringly. “You have more power than you think, Verity. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of finding the courage to use it. Tell me, what is it that you truly want?”

Verity hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. “I want to be with Lord Easton. He makes me feel alive in a way I never thought possible. But it’s hopeless. Our families, society... they will never accept it. Not when he is a Duke, and I a mere spinster.”

Faye’s eyes widened in shock, but her expression quickly turned to one of support and understanding. “Lord Easton? Oh, Verity, I had no idea. But if he makes you feel this way, then we must find a way to make this work.”

Verity nodded, her eyes filled with both fear and hope. “I know it’s a scandal waiting to happen, but I cannot help it. Philip is... he is different. He sees me for who I am, not just as another lady. I know it seems impossible, but I cannot deny my feelings any longer. I am falling in love with him, Faye.”

Faye squeezed her hand again, her voice firm. “Then you must tell him how you feel. If he shares your feelings, you can face these challenges together. The world may judge, but true love is worth any risk.”

“But no one will like it…”

Faye’s expression softened. “Love has a way of finding a path, even though the most difficult obstacles. If Lord Easton feels the same, there may be a way to make it work. Have you spoken to him about your feelings?”

Verity shook her head. “No, I have not. We have shared moments, but nothing has been said explicitly. And now, with the scandal sheets and Henry’s anger, I feel even more uncertain.”

Faye’s brow furrowed in thought. “Verity, you cannot let fear hold you back. If Philip truly cares for you, he will stand by yourside. But you must be honest with him. You deserve a chance at happiness.”

Verity nodded slowly, a glimmer of determination lighting her eyes. “You are right, Faye. I need to speak with him. I need to know if he feels the same way.”

Faye smiled warmly. “That is the spirit. And remember, you are not alone in this. I will help you in any way I can. Any way in which I can help you get the love of your life, I will. I only want you to be happy, because you very much deserve that.”

CHAPTER 20

If Philip slid his eyes closed and blocked out the outside world, which was very easy to do in the solitude of his library, then he could quite easily transport himself back to the gardens, and to his intimate moment with Lady Verity. The memory of her soft skin beneath his fingertips and the longing in her eyes sent a warm shiver down his spine.

He allowed himself to imagine, just for a moment, what might have happened if he had been bold enough to kiss her. The memory was vivid, the scene replaying itself in his mind's eye, almost knocking him off kilter completely.

Verity stood before him, the soft breeze rustling the leaves around them, her eyes wide and shimmering with unspoken emotions. Her breath had hitched when his fingers brushed against her cheek, and for a heartbeat, the world had seemed to stand still.

What if he had leaned in closer, erasing the space between them?

He could almost feel the warmth of her breath mingling with his own. Her lips, soft and inviting, would part slightly in anticipation. His heart pounded in his chest, echoing the same rhythm he felt in that moment. He could nearly taste the sweetness of her lips, the way they would yield to his in a gentle yet passionate embrace.

In his imagination, their surroundings would fade away completely, leaving just the two of them suspended in that perfect moment. He would have wrapped his arms around her, drawing her closer, feeling her body melt in to his. The kiss would start tenderly, a hesitant exploration, but soon deepen as their mutual longing broke through the surface. Verity’s handswould clutch at his coat, grounding them both as they nearly lost their minds. Philip's mind lingered on the imagined feel of her lips moving against his, soft and insistent, conveying a depth of emotion that words could never capture. The taste of her, sweet and intoxicating, would be something he could never forget. Her scent, a delicate mix of lavender and something uniquely her own, would envelop him, leaving him craving more.