Jilted

At the dinner table, it became clear why the Duke had returned suddenly to his estates. It was the Dowager who first pointed out the large space above the fireplace, and the Duke shivered and looked away from the blank space on the wall. "Miss Loveridge should be there." The Dowager explained to Charlotte. "Where is she, Miles? Don't tell me you are reframing her again." "Her picture is gone. She is gone." He said, and for a moment the two women looked at him in confusion. It seemed to take him a long time to speak, but finally he said, "Miss Loveridge and I are no longer engaged. Our wedding plans are abandoned, and she has gone to the Highlands to stay with family."