“Then I’ll stop by tomorrow morning.”
He rose, keeping an arm around her as she got up along with him.
“Will you stay for tea?” she asked.
“No, I have other business that requires my attention.”
“Your Grace…” She held him back when he gave her a final kiss before leaving her side.
“The name is Ambrose. You have my permission to call me that whenever we are alone.”
“Ambrose.” She smiled up at him. “Ambrose.Ambrose.Sounds nice.”
He arched an eyebrow and chuckled lightly, obviously glad things appeared to be settling as he hoped even if she was slow to go about it. “Did you wish to ask me something? Or simply keep chanting my name?”
“This is serious. If this other business pertains to Mr. Runyon, then be careful when you go after him. He is no pure academician working archeological digs for intellectual pleasure. He is a relic hunter, in it only for fame and profit. Such men are an unsavory lot. Their profession is cutthroat and they will not think twice before stealing precious work from others. Indeed, you ought to be careful because men such as Runyon are desperate. They are not above hurting high-ranking noblemen such as yourself.”
“I will keep your warning in mind. But I am not scared of Runyon. He ought to be cowering in fear from me. To set a hand on me would mean a life of imprisonment for him. Do not worry, Adela. I will not proceed recklessly and ignite a new scandal.”
“It is your life I am worried about, not some stupid scandal. Do not take his wicked motives for granted. As for scandal, that is the least of your worries. As you said, dukes are impervious to such things.”
He caressed her cheek. “As my duchess, you will be impervious, too.”
All Adela needed to do was accept his proposal.
She could see the advantages in being his duchess.
No one would dare touch her.
Every door would be open to her.
As for Runyon, she imagined Huntsford would tear the man apart limb from limb if he dared come near her once she was his wife.
Goodness, when had anyone ever protected her like this wonderful man intended to do? All the more reason she had to think things through quite seriously. There would be no turning back once she accepted his proposal.
He arched an eyebrow. “Are you still worried about scandal following you?”
She nodded.
“You needn’t be, Adela. I mean it when I say becoming my duchess will cure all ills. Our betrothal alone will shut most people up. No one wants to get on the bad side of the future Duchess of Huntsford.”
She cast him a hesitant smile. “Oh, Ambrose. I hope you are right.”
CHAPTER 7
AMBROSE RETURNED TONumber 5 Chipping Way the following morning, eager for Adela’s decision. The sky was overcast, but he hoped it was not an omen of the news to come. He shook out of the thought, for Adela would eventually make the right decision. He would not give up on asking her until she did.
In truth, he had no doubt what today’s answershouldbe. A joyful and unhesitating yes. But Adela was not the usual sort of girl and he could not be completely certain of the outcome.
Of course, neither Eloise nor Phoebe would allow her to refuse him.
But he wanted Adela to accept him willingly.
It would not feel right if she were forced.
He stepped down from his carriage which was getting to be a recognized sight on this elegant street, and strode toward Eloise’s front door.
“Good morning, Your Grace,” Adela said, standing beside Watling as he approached, her eyes sparkling and her smile radiant. She bustled him into the parlor and surprised him by shutting the doors behind them. “May I kiss you on the cheek? Or is it too presumptuous of me?”
