Breathing in the scent of him, of soap and spice and something uniquely him, tears stung behind her eyes.
She’d give everything that she could.
“Justin.”
He stirred but didn’t answer.
“You mustn’t marry me. You are so honorable, so full of good will. You’d berate yourself in the years to come that you’d not provided properly for those who depended upon you.”
He nodded but then shook his head.
“My mother has forbidden me to marry you.” At these words, he pulled himself up, confusion in his eyes. “She says it would not be fair to you.” Her mother’s changed opinion had surprised her as well. Likely Mother considered her decision to be a practical one. “I imagine she knows the pain of a troubled marriage.”
He searched her eyes. She hated the uncertainty behind his blue depths.
“You need protection.” His statement sounded almost like a question. As though she’d implied that she didn’t trust him. As though she doubted his ability to care for all that was his.
“I will be fine. I’ve weathered worse.”
But he was shaking his head. “Nothing like this. Jackals will be after you from behind every corner. You are not safe.”
Rhoda couldn’t meet his eyes. Because shewasafraid.
Shewantedhis protection. Shewantedto marry him, and she didn’t care how broke he was. “My mother says—”
“Rhododendron.”
She bit her lip.
“We won’t make any announcements. We won’t have any banns read yet. You needn’t tell anyone, even your mother.” He swallowed hard. “But leave the betrothal in place.”
He pinned her with his gaze, willing her to give in to his request.
How could she argue against something she wanted more than anything else? If a miracle happened, surely it would happen for Justin White!
She nodded slowly. “But I’ll have to tell my mother we’ve broken the engagement.”
“I understand.” He took both her hands in his and raised them to his lips. “And you must know you’ll have my protection, even if I’m obliged to provide it from afar. Promise me you’ll not go out alone. Promise me you won’t trust any man.”
Was it possible such danger truly existed? And yet she knew. It did. It had already touched her.
“I promise.” She nodded, feeling hopeless nonetheless.
In or Out
Justin hated that Rhoda was right. Partially right anyhow. He’d wallow in guilt if he couldn’t find a way to improve the conditions for those who depended upon the Carlisle estate. He could find another lady to marry, one with a larger dowry. Logically, he knew many titled gentlemen did just this.
But he wasn’t like other titled gentlemen. In fact, he still looked over his shoulder when anybody deigned to call him ‘my lord.’
It was one matter to see other men undertake such a mercenary course, quite another to contemplate it oneself.
Besides that, he rather liked Rhododendron Mossant.
She brought him to life. He ought to feel guilty for practically mauling her. He’d attempted to halt his coarse desires, but she’d held him tight against her. She’d hushed his apologies.
Yes, he rather liked her. Rather a lot.
After extracting her promise to be careful, Justin found himself feeling even more protective than he had before. He’d guided her gingerly down the rickety stairs, assisted her to the vehicle, and then tucked her arm into his as he drove them through the streets of Mayfair.
