“Because I am wealthy enough for the both of us?”
She grinned. “That certainly helps, but no. Because in choosing you, Iamcontrolling my future. I know I will be happy. I do not need thirty thousand pounds to manage it.”
His head dropped lower. “I hardly deserve you.”
“Do not fret,” she said, patting his chest. “I will allow you to make it up to me.”
He chuckled. “I will endeavor to do my best.”
She smiled at him, too happy to even speak.
“I think I ought to go,” he said quietly, glancing quickly around the night-cloaked room.
“That would be responsible.”
His jaw flexed as his eyes dropped to her lips. “Yes.”
“You are not moving though.”
“I am determining how responsible I want to be.”
“I will not bemoan a little lapse in judgment,” she teased.
He released her hand, taking a step back with a pained expression. “No. I will not sully your reputation.”
She heaved a sigh. “I admire you for your control.”
He scowled. “That makes one of us.” He moved backward to the door. “Good night, Lydia.”
“Good night.”
He turned, hand frozen on the door. Then, in a matter of heartbeats, he spun back and paced to her with a determined look. His arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close. She let out a little gasp of surprise.
“Hang control,” he muttered before pressing his mouth to hers.
The kiss was short. Far too short. But it held a promise of more.
Then he released her. “Nowit is a good night,” he said. Then he left.
Chapter 41
“Mother, I have something totell you,” Lucas announced upon entering the breakfast room the next morning and finding his mother alone.
She set down her cutlery, turning in her chair to face him. “I am at attention.”
“I am going to ask Miss Faraday to marry me.”
Mother clapped her hands together. “Truly? Oh, I had begun to despair.” She came to her feet, opening her arms wide.
Lucas came up short before meeting her. “But first, I understand you’ve been conspiring against me.”
“Your brother kept our secret longer than I anticipated,” she said with a smile.
Lucas shook his head. “I am perfectly capable of finding my own wife; I did not need interference.”
“I do apologize, but honestly, Lucas, you wereplanningto find a wife—planning! I was under maternal obligation to help.”
“Very well, I forgive you. But only on the condition of your helping me.”
