“Do you know where he’s gone?” Susan askedquietly.
“I have no idea, but I suspect he went to London. He had some rather serious gambling debts and begged me for money only yesterday, and I refused him as I was to surprise him with a living as my wedding present to the both ofyou.”
“And he left no note for me?” Susan asked, now becomingangry.
“I’m sorry, Miss Wilton. He didn’t.” The Duke turned to the Squire. “I shall, of course, reimburse you for any losses associated with the wedding, and shall return any and all dowry that has been forwarded to Haverford House—if it’s not already been taken and spent by my brother. I’ll make an accounting and pass it on toyou.”
“Most kind, Your Grace,” the Squire said, bowing hishead.
The Duke looked frantic. “Now, you must excuse me. I must leave. My wife is with child and having a troubledconfinement.”
The Duke turned and left. And that was the end of the engagement and thewedding.
