Malcolm realized that he did.
Hedidhave the courage.
And he chose her.
Over a duke’s rage. Over a brother’s heartbreak. Over his own black grief and unknown fear of the future.
Terror still pummeled him, a thousandwhat ifswinging through his veins. His own involuntary reaction to the trauma of Aileen’s death had not magically disappeared.
But Malcolm thought of Callum, facing the horror of Isla’s laboring, of the agonizing hours of her delivery . . .
Ithadall come right in the end.
That was life, was it not?
Nothing guaranteed.
Malcolm could die just as readily as Viola, tomorrow or fifty years from now.
Life was one constant gamble.
And Malcolm would face it all with Viola Brodure at his side, for as long as Fate permitted. If she would still have him.
Viola’s breathing finally appeared to flow more easily. Her lungs lifted in a less labored fashion.
A soft snort sounded beside him. Malcolm whipped his head to the right, meeting Kendall’s amused eyes.
“So much emotion in your expression,” His Grace drawled. “This evening has been delightfully entertaining.”
Malcolm turned away.
The man was a damned menace.
“I am f-feeling much improved, thank you, Mr. Penn-Leith,” Viola was saying to Ethan.
“Excellent.” Hadley nodded to Ethan. “Mr. Penn-Leith, would you please escort Miss Brodure inside? There is a comfortable chaise in the blue drawing-room where she can rest.”
“Of course, my lord. I should be honored.” Ethan helped Viola to her feet and settled her on his arm.
As they turned toward the house, Malcolm met Viola’s gaze for the barest second.
He didn’t know what he expected to see there. Anger over their words along the lane? Exhaustion with her body’s frailty?
Some emotion for him to latch on to.
Instead, her face was . . . blank. As if all her lovely fire had been banked deep down.
She turned her head back to Ethan.
Dinnae go,his heart whispered.Dinnae leave me.
And in that moment, Malcolm knew as sure as he knew anything—he was going to grovel for Viola’s forgiveness.
If she gave it, he was going to marry her.
Fears be damned.
Consequences be damned.
