“Ifwe part,” he corrected.
“If we part,” she repeated.
“That can be arranged.”
“And an annuity?”
“Why speak ‘annuity’ as if the word were a question? Unless you wishmeto suggest a price.”
“I am”—she broke their gaze—“inexperienced in these things.”
He made a long, inscrutable noise. Then, he sighed. “Would, say, an annuity commensurate to the one I pay Mrs. Small suffice?”
“I trust your judgment.”
“Finally,” he said wryly, “she pays me a second compliment.”
When had she paid him the first?
Ah, yes. In the lane behind the inn. What had she been referring to then? Suddenly, she remembered. She’d been speaking of his way with the children.
“Is there anything else?” he asked.
She ignored the note of derision in his voice and steadied her breath. Shecouldask for something more...something shewanted, rather thanneeded. Something that could make all the difference in the world. But did she dare?
She’d dare anything for Annis.
She raised her gaze. “You will agree—in writing—to be the guardian of my child.”
Surprised flickered in his eyes. “Ifthere is a child.”
“Anychild.”
He raised his brows.
“I am not...in a family way.” She had to be very, very careful. “And I do not intend to live my future life...in the manner we are discussing. You are an exception.” She lifted a shoulder in a shrug. “But, if you do not believe me, I will withdraw from further negotiations.”
He stared at her long and hard. “Allmy beliefs are, at the moment, entirely suspended.” He returned to the sofa. He hesitated, and then he took her hands into his own. “Why?Whyare you doing this?”
“Because I am certain you would protect any child in your care.”
“Indeed, I would.” He searched her face. “And I will.”
“You accept, then?” she asked breathlessly.
“I do,” he answered.
She’d taken the most shocking gamble of her life, and, in so doing, secured a home for her future and a wealthy, powerful guardian for her child. Her audacity left her dizzy. And if the admiration in his gaze had dimmed, it was a small sacrifice.
“Now, shall we discussmyterms? he asked.
She nodded slowly, feeling the heat in his palms.
“You will meet me in the armory at midnight tomorrow—and every night thereafter, unless you send word that you are indisposed. And, before Ash comes to collect his children, we will once again revisit the question of marriage.”
She’d wager he could not imagine a woman’s rejection. Would she hurt him again when she left him to collect Annis?
But she would not dwell on his possible sorrow.
