“In this case, she would understand.” Thorne lunged at Giles, but Giles rounded the sofa before Thorne could capture him. “I am only messing with you. Relax, old chap. I’ll marry the girl.”
“Right you will,” Thorne said, his tone firm.
Just then, a knock sounded, and Thorne turned to the door. “Enter.”
Both men stood silently as a maid carried in a tray and placed it on a nearby table before backing from the room.
Thorne strolled to the table and took up the kettle. “It’s coffee to sober you up before we announce your betrothal.”
“I would rather be foxed,” Giles said as he accepted the cup. Though, in truth, he had mixed feelings on that score. If he had not been sauced earlier, he likely would not be in this mess. All the same, it was easier to face such chaos when one had fortification.
He sipped his coffee, his mind replaying the last hours’ events.
Truth be told, he knew he should have released the lady the moment he realized she was not Kitty. But Juliet was so damn beautiful. Her lips so luscious, he could not ignore them. Then a taste was not nearly enough. He simply could not help but sample her, and once he did, all thoughts of Kitty fled his mind.
Bloody hell, he’d even forgotten their planned tryst. Such behavior was not above him, but the sloppiness of the situation… He had always been careful not to get tangled up with innocent ladies, as well as to keep his assignations private.
What was it about the fair Juliet that caused him to lose all control? Regardless, she did not bear the blame for their discovery.
This was all his fault, and he would do the honorable thing. Thorne’s assessment of his character was correct—Giles did posses honor—too much integrity to toss the poor girl to the wolves of the ton.
Thorne’s expression softened as he said, “Juliet is not only dear to Olivia, my sisters and I also have a care for her.”
“You well know why I have not wed. Now that the time is upon me, I shall endeavor to make a success of it.” Giles blew out a breath. “I will not lead my family to misery.”
“I have your word?” Thorne asked.
“As a gentleman,” Giles vowed.
Thorne nodded, then stood. “Very well, let us join the ladies so we can make the announcement before more damage can be wrought.”
Giles sat his cup aside, then rose and followed Thorne from the library.
Marriage to Juliet would not be such a burden. Indeed, if Thorne and Olivia valued the lady, Giles would come to as well, for he trusted their judgment. Leastwise, she was pleasant to look at, and he knew from their brief assignation that the two of them shared passion.
Regardless of what the future held, he could be assured that his bed would never be cold, and he would always have something beautiful to gaze upon. There were worst fates, he supposed.
He could be stuck with Kitty for a wife. Lord perish the thought.
Perhaps this was fate, and all would end well. Giles would do everything in his power to make sure the two of them had a happy future. If the lady met him even partway, there’s would be a successful union.
By the time he and Thorne entered the office, Giles had convinced himself of the merits of taking Lady Juliet to wife. Rather than feeling as if he were being marched to his execution, he had hope for the future.
Juliet and Olivia were sipping wine near the fire. Both stood when Giles and Thorne stepped into the room. So the chit required a bit of her own fortification. Finding himself quite amused, he gave a devilish grin as he once more wished for a tumbler full of brandy.
His gaze found Lady Juliet’s.
She blushed, her cheeks blossoming with rose pink as she met his gaze.
Giles strode over to her and reached for her hand. “Lady Juliet Gale, will you do me the honor of becoming my duchess?” There was no need for a proper proposal. Certainly not given their situation. Still, he wanted her to have one.
She worried her bottom lip as he spoke. Then drank the wine that remained in her glass before replying, “It seems I must.”
He wished she could muster some semblance of enthusiasm. He was a duke, after all. But given his reputation and the nature of their acquaintance, he could not blame her.
Giles released her hand and proffered his arm. “Let us go share the joyous news.”
Her chin quivered slightly, but she held her head high as she accepted his arm. The lady was not only beautiful, but she was also brave. Giles could scarcely help but be pleased.
