CHAPTER 44 REUNION

Max stood there, refusing to embrace her and Jane knew he was badly hurt. Jane took a deep breath and approached Max, who was standing beside one of the horses, looking rather stern. "Max, can I have a word with you?" she asked, her voice gentle. Max raised an eyebrow, clearly still upset with her. "What is it, Jane? I'm busy." "Please, Max. Just a few minutes. I need to clear the air about something," Jane persisted. Max sighed, but nodded curtly. "Fine. But make it quick." Jane led him to the parlor, her heart racing with anticipation. "Max, I know you're angry with me, and I don't blame you. But I want to explain what happened." Max crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "Go on." Jane took another deep breath and launched into her story, telling Max about how her father had told her she was betrothed to a man she didn't know when sgr was ten. "Believe me, I had no thought of breaking your heart. I was resolved with eloping with you and even now, the thought hasn't faded