With a backward glance that was both sympathy and support, he meandered back toward the carriage. She sent him a reassuring smile and then faced the house.
“Goodbye, Karl,” she whispered. “You were little more than a selfish scoundrel, but I thank you for Annis. She’s going to have a beautiful life.” She glanced over her shoulder. “And a fine father.”
She exhaled her regrets, turned toward her future feeling lighter than she had in weeks. Hurtheven handed her back into his carriage.
“You know,duke,” she teased. “I can almost believe you have changed.”
“Ihavechanged.”
“People don’t.”
“Iam not people.”
She chuckled half-heartedly. “Perhaps not totally changed.”
“Would you want me to?”
“Godric,” she said under her breath. “What am I to do with you?”
His expression turned serious. “Give me a chance? Is that fair?”
“Fair,” she breathed. “Do you care?”
“Very much so. I want a wife—an ally, an accomplice, and even, dare I hope, a friend.”
She lowered her lashes. “And a lover?”
“Yes, of course.” He touched her cheek. “Though we’ll have none of that until marriage.”
“Noneof that?”
“Well,” he smiled crookedly. “Nearlynone.”
He leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips. She hummed in response. “I’ve missed you.” She kissed him back. “And this...”
She angled her body and took him into a deeper embrace.
“I can feel that,” she murmured.
He chuckled. “It’s just a tool. And only one of many...”
She snorted.
“In all seriousness...you’ve a life—a home.” He searched her eyes. “I will love you for all of my lifetime, but, if you prefer to remain independent...”
Oh—she tilted her head—what a valiant effort at humility. She was touched. Truly moved. But she did not believe him in the least.
“Really, Godric! And here I was hoping to find you building willow cabins at my gate.”
His mouth quirked, “I might, to borrow further from the quote, ‘Halloo your name to the reverberate hills,’ or,”—his eyes twinkled—“across my mountain.”
“Ohhh!” She laughed. “I’d forgotten about yourmountain.”
“Ididlist my mountain as an asset.”
“Youdid, didn’t you?” She sighed. “How pleasant it would be to have a mountain of my very own!” She glanced askance. “Unfortunately, you’re far too honorable for bribery.”
“Not in the least. In your case, I’m perfectly willing to bribe. I will write up a contract...”
