“Do so, then, by all means.”
“Yes. Georgiana, as you know, I am a single gentleman with a considerable fortune. I don’t say that to brag, but only because it’s the truth.”
“A well-known truth, my lord.”
“Even so. Because of my circumstances, I have been given my choice of young ladies to marry. I have met them all, and studied their character, prospects, and appearance. What I am here to say is, I am…desperately in love with you, Georgiana, and I ask you to be my wife.”
She waited for a flutter of her pulse, a speed in the beat of her heart. All she felt, though, was doubt that Westbrook had ever been desperate about anything in his life—much less her.
“John, I—”
“I know you may not feel the same way about me, but I am willing to wait.” He grimaced. “I also know that Dare has been forcing his presence on you the past few weeks, and that with his influence you may be…uncertain of the course your future should take.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I am trying to speak as a gentleman regarding another gentleman, but for your sake I’ll be blunt. I have become suspicious that Dare is still obsessed over the wager he made six years ago regarding your virtue, and that he may be attempting still to lead you astray.”
Oh, dear. If Westbrook only knew the truth about how far astray she’d gone, he would be appalled. He would also withdraw his proposal in an instant. “Do you have any proof of this?”
“I am relying on my intuition and my personal knowledge of Dare. He is a known blackguard and a rake. In addition, his properties are nearly bankrupt, which leads me to further doubt his motives regarding your person.”
“You mean you believe he intends to ruin me and then marry me for my money,” she said.
“That is my fear.”
If she’d been left with one thing over the past six years, it was a severe dislike of rumors, especially those that concerned herself or Tristan. “Are you promoting your own cause, John, or sabotaging Lord Dare’s?”
“I am only concerned for your well-being, and I know your judgment may not be entirely sound where Dare is concerned. Logically, you know I am the better choice.”
Her head knew he was correct, even if her heart said otherwise. “John, you said you would wait. Will you give me a few days to consider my answer?”
“Yes, of course.” The marquis approached her again. “May I request a kiss, to signify that my intentions are serious?”
Shaking off the annoying idea that she was somehow being untrue to Tristan, she nodded. Other than his statements that he wanted more than just her body, Dare had never made any sort of direct declaration to her. She owed it to herself to have all the facts necessary to make an informed decision.
With a slight smile Westbrook placed a hand on either side of her face, leaned down, and touched his lips to hers. The kiss was brief, civilized, and very polite, a chaste kiss as befitted the chaste young lady she was supposed to be.
“May I call on you tomorrow, Georgiana?”
She blinked. “You may.”
“Then I shall take my leave. Good afternoon, my lady.”
“Good afternoon.”
Minutes after he departed, Aunt Frederica swept into the room. “Well?”
“Very subtle, Aunt Frederica.”
“Never mind that. Did he propose to you?”
“Yes, he did.”
“And?”
“And I told him I would think about it.”
The dowager duchess sank into a chair. “Oh, Georgiana.”
