I rocked back on my heels, ready to plead my case. After Colt proposed the suggestion, it made perfect sense. I had to get married, and she fit the criteria. “Yes, I have given it much thought, and I—”
“You wish to marry me? Me?” If possible, she paled even more. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and she swayed. “Oh, dear.”
I reached out, caught her by the waist, and swept her into my arms before she fainted. “Oh dear indeed.”
Chapter Thirteen
Lady Lillian Tapper
The ground was moving. My mind had been submerged in a deep pool of darkness, but now I was being dragged out of the abyss. I forced my eyes open and frowned at Lord Kendrick, who was carrying me. “What are you doing?”
“You fainted. How are you feeling?” Lord Kendrick sat down on the garden bench and stared down at me, his arm supporting my back. A soft mist had fallen. I noticed his hard body beneath my bottom and the spicy scent of his shaving soap.
Up close, I could see the thickness of his eyelashes. His nearness was disturbing to my equilibrium. There were nights I dreamed of this, but the reality was overwhelming. I tried to sit upright, but I drifted back down, my stomach protesting the move. Staying in his lap wasn’t an option either. “I feel confused. I never faint.”
“You can no longer say that. Would you like me to take you inside?” He said it in a gentle tone. The lines around his mouth were tight, betraying his upset. The duke rarely appeared anything except confident.
“No, I think we should talk.” It was all coming back to me. Every shocking detail. I wanted to utter the words he’d said to me. It felt like a dream, a very odd dream.
Strong brows furrowed over concerned blue eyes. “I’m more troubled about your health at this instant.”
“There isn’t anything wrong with my health. You surprised me, that’s all. It isn’t every day I get a random marriage proposal.” Never if the truth be told. Nor had I ever expected to receive one from such a dynamic and appealing man, which made me suspicious. There was something off about his proposal.
We had spoken only a handful of times, and while we were friendly, we were still strangers. Except society marriages were often based on less. I had damaging information on him, and marriage would guarantee my silence. For that reason alone, I was mistrustful.
“I’m sorry. It was a surprise for me as well.” Lord Kendrick licked his lips and smiled sheepishly. He shifted his foot, and my bottom settled more fully into his lap.
Goosebumps shot across my arms, and I wanted to bury my nose in the crook of his neck. If I was married to him, I could do so any time. The thought brought me up short, and a rush of heat warmed my skin. He asked me to marry him.Me. “Why did you feel the need to ask for my hand?”
“You have a way of growing on a man.” He shrugged his broad shoulders and clasped my hand with his free one. His palm was slightly calloused. If I said yes, he would caress my body with those hands. He said he judged a person by their soul. He must find mine fitting well with his a plus.
I couldn’t suppress the doubt, however. “Fungus grows. Mold grows. They’re not always a good thing. Is it because of our deal?” I had to know the truth, no matter how painful.
Head tilted back, he studied me for a long moment before answering. “Yes. I must be honest. I was reconsidering my position on helping you with a more hands-on approach to your research. Our kiss cemented that impulse.”
“It was rather pleasant.” I had thought about nothing but since it happened. Before the maid had interrupted me, I was writing the first of the scenes Moran had suggested. To be called away had annoyed me, to be sure. My mother didn’t take my desire to write seriously and often interrupted while I was composing a very exciting plot twist.
“More than pleasant, but I digress. Colt suggested I should marry you.” His thumb caressed my wrist bone, the touch soft and sensual.
“Colt told you it was a good idea?” It wasn’t his idea but Colt’s. I fought the stab in my chest at the revelation. His secretary was practical, which meant his reasons for marrying me were practical. By its very definition, it was impractical for me to think otherwise. There was no great love between Lord Kendrick and me. I liked him, and I could tell that he liked me too. Marriages were built on less.
“Yes. He pointed out some key observations. The traits I’m looking for in a wife are acceptance. You saw me in the garden, but you never judged me for my actions. You met Henry and Frank, and you treated them with dignity and respect.” Lord Kendrick lifted my hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. The heat inside my body intensified. He intertwined his fingers with mine and settled them back in my lap.
The effects of the simple gesture stirred my blood. What he said was true. I tried to be kind and accepting because I was often judged unfairly. I was fortunate to be born into a position of wealth, and if I said yes to his proposal, I would be a duchess. The reality doused the thrill of being held with such intimacy.
