Promise Me Read Free

dissolved their betrothal? Had Leah Sheridan caused his brother’s death? Of the few letters Adrian had written, each had professed his undying love for the woman he’d asked to share his life. Nicolas knew better than to believe every thread of gossip, but if there was a question concerning his brother’s death, he wanted it resolved.
    The waltz ended on a lingering note, and a round of applause burst through the ballroom’s open windows. Nicolas estimated he had about half an hour before Gran sent a servant for him.
    Adrian loved music, and his skill on the dance floor was unmatched.
    The wind picked up, rustling the leaves of a nearby tree. He could almost sense his brother’s presence. Or perhaps it was merely wishful thinking.
    Movement along the ledge of the balcony caught his attention as a feline shadow with two glowing yellow orbs crept toward him.
    “ Hello, Winston. Did Gran send you for me?”
    As the sound of an expert violinist began, the black cat jumped into a nearby lounge chair and curled up. Obviously he didn’t care to be social.
    “ I understand completely,” Nicolas stated.
    He was about to head back inside his room when he heard the door to the library opening again. Out of curiosity, he leaned over the balcony. And just as if he’d made a request to the heavens, a slender goddess in shimmering turquoise strolled into the moonlit gardens below.
     
    ###
     
    Painful memories overwhelmed Leah here in the stillness of the gardens, but inside the packed ballroom she hadn’t been able to breathe. Every pitiful glance wounded her pride or turned her stomach.
    “ Good evening, my lady.”
    Startled, she whirled around.
    A tall gentleman stood in the doorway to the library, his features in shadow. “I apologize if I frightened you. It was not my intention.”
    His smooth tone melted into the calm night, awakening a distant portion of a childhood memory. He walked beneath the gaslight, and her breath caught.
    In his black evening attire, the Duke of Chase cut a fine figure. His handsome face with firm chin and straight nose rivaled the sculptured Gods in his grandmother’s garden, and his dark hair and eyes complimented his chiseled yet devilish features.
    Leah steadied her nerves. “Good evening, your Grace.”
    His brow arched. “Have we met?”
    “ Yes, although it was many years ago.”
    He strolled up to her, his smile dazzling. “I must admit, you’ve piqued my curiosity, Miss..?”
    Leah drew a labored breath. “Sheridan.”
    The playful expression in his eyes changed in dramatic fashion. “Ah, yes. My brother’s one true love.” His gaze slid down her figure, lingering in several conspicuous places, before returning to her face. “You are exactly as Adrian described. But how could I have forgotten such beauty?”
    She should be mortified by his intense scrutiny. Or at least offended. Instead, it made her tremble. “I was rather young when we last met.”
    “ Nevertheless...” Chase tipped his head to one side, his eyes mocking the sincerity in his voice. “I can well imagine why Adrian asked you to be his bride.”
    Did he mean to humiliate her? She wasn’t sure. His cold demeanor only proved what others no doubt thought. That she caused Adrian’s death.
    Leah’s throat tightened, and she turned away. “I never tire of this spectacular garden. After a gentle rain, it smells heavenly.”
    “ There’s a stone bench located in the center near the fountain. It’s one of my grandmother’s favorite places.”
    “ Yes, I know.”
    “ But are you aware the Greek statues were Adrian’s idea?”
    Leah turned. The duke’s close proximity unnerved her, and she backed away, restoring the comfortable space between them.
    He smiled at the obvious act of cowardice. “You don’t care to speak of my brother, do you, Miss Sheridan?”
    “ No. It’s...the accident is still rather difficult.”
    “ Especially since the two of you argued that afternoon.” He inched forward. “Why