“You are still berating me.”
“I am showing concern for you. Do you think my heart is not aching because of my mistake? I completely misjudged Bella’s strength and almost got you killed because of it. It is one thing to be stupid and hurt myself, but unforgivable to hurt others. I am truly sorry I ever went down there… Well, not completely sorry. Actually, not sorry at all, despite her almost killing me. I believe she wants my help.”
“She has an odd way of asking for it.” He eased back with a groan. “You are coming with me to the parish church. I dare not let you out of my sight again.Not ever.And do not utter another word about your ruination. Most of my guests will still be abed and not thinking of you or wondering if you and I are down to breakfast. I have already arranged for one of my maids to attend my aunt if she happens to wake before we return.”
“You don’t mind having me with you at St. Augustine’s? I do not understand how you can stand to look at me after what I’ve done. Well, I am grateful, even if you only want me there because you do not trust me.”
“I do trust you, but I haven’t calmed down yet over thatthingwho tried to drown you,” he said.
“Bella isn’t athing. We must find out all we can about her and her sister, and their connection to my mother.”
“Run up and change. I’ll meet you in the entry hall in a few minutes.”
“Your Grace, what about my reputation?” she asked. “I know you don’t wish to discuss it, but I cannot be seen leaving with you.”
“I’ve assured you that you won’t be seen. Only my cousin is awake, and he will not breathe a word.”
“And what of our return? Everyone will talk when we walk in together. It is already a disaster that your scullery maids saw us. And it was very cruel of you to threaten them.”
He arched an eyebrow, the gesture making him look handsome and sinister at the same time. “I have no intention of discharging them, if this is what worries you.”
“You don’t? But they do not know this and must be cowering in fear.”
“That’s right, as they ought to be. I want them to believe I am serious. How else will they keep silent? It is no one’s business what I do or whose company I keep.”
“Are you not listening? If I go with you to the church, then everyone will know we have been together. All tongues will wag. Your aunt will give me the boot, and rightfully so. Everyone in Society will hear of it because you are a bachelor duke and they are all fascinated by you.”
“Do you think I care?”
“Obviously, you don’t. But it is my good name at stake, so I care very much. Women drop at your feet or, more accurately, fall into your bed. All you have to do is nod in their direction and they come running. This is what they’ll think I have done. Who will hire me then? And what good will your recommendation be? They’ll all think you gave it because I was your…you know.”
He appeared irritatingly calm about the whole thing as he said, “I have a solution for that problem.”
“I do not want to hear your solution,” she said, truly uncomfortable for the droplets falling on her nose and running down her neck. She hoped the seawater had not permanently ruined her gown and boots, for she could not afford to purchase replacements. “I will not be your mistress.”
“I had no such thing in mind.”
“Then do you think to fob me off on one of the bachelors at your party as you have done with your peahens? Your matchmaking skills won’t work for me because I haven’t a shilling to my name, or any worthwhile family connections.”
“I know of someone who will take you exactly as you are.”
“Then he is an idiot.” She frowned, truly weary of this pointless discussion. Yes, she wanted to go to the church with him and explore their records. But she did not think the risk was worth it. She would go on her own next Wednesday on her afternoon off.
What a hideous morning this was turning out to be. What could he possibly say to her to make things better?
He emitted a deliciously soft laugh. “An idiot, is he?”
She nodded. “Utter and complete. Not evenIwould marry me if given the chance.”
“Heather, you are priceless,” he said with a glint of mirth in his eyes. “Come to church with me.”
“And be ruined?”
“Do not be dense.” He ran his knuckles lightly along her cheek in an achingly sweet caress. “To arrange for the banns to be read. What if I were the one to marry you?”
She stopped breathing.
Truly, she could not catch a breath. “You would marry me?”
