“Problem?”
“Quite a serious one. When I agreed to marry Rosehill, I had never known love. Now that I know the feeling, of course, I could only abide a marriage based on the very deepest of loves. In fact, I believe there is but one gentleman in all the world I could consider for my husband.” Her earnest expression left no question in her meaning. “But you see, I have no way of knowing if this gentleman returns my regard.”
“Jules, Duchess…” I pressed my forehead against hers, the distance between us too much. “I don’t think I will ever deserve you. But if you let me try—if you do me the great honor of becoming my wife, I swear to you, I will spend every second of every minute loving you.”
“I decide who deserves me. I deserve to be with the man I love, who loves me in return. Can you be that man?”
“The only requirement is to love you?”
“With your whole heart.”
“I think I may safely promise that.”
“Then yes, I would very much like to marry you.”
My answering kiss was more of a pressing of smiles than an actual kiss. When we parted, she threw her arms around me. My heart was full to bursting. She was whispering words of love in my ears, and it was the happiest I had ever been.
“I should get you back to Grayson House, Duchess.”
“You’re not going to stay?” Her eyes were round, pleading, offering.
“I hadn’t planned on it. Hugh and Kate aren’t likely to approve of my presence if you’re to be married from their house.”
“They’re not there. The viscount is at Thornton Hall, and Kate left for her sister’s confinement in Lincolnshire.”
We would be there—alone. The thought drew a groan from me.
“Duchess, if you’d like to make it to the altar without anticipating our vows you shouldn’t tell me things like that.”
“Michael, I was very much hoping to anticipate our vows.”
My only response to that was a low curse. All blood required for thought left my brain for more essential areas. I finally found the wherewithal to continue toward the house. If I stopped every few steps for a kiss, there was no one afoot to see.
Finally, after far more kisses than were appropriate, we reached the house. I aimed for the front door but, instead, she pulled me down the alley to the servants’ entrance.
“I gave them the night off,” she whispered before knocking.
I was all astonishment when Augie opened the door. He was alone in the kitchens but for Anna.
“Looks like the ball went well then?” I didn’t mind his smug tone in this instance.
“You could say that. Why are you here? Shouldn’t you be watching my club?”
“I’ve been watching your club for nearly three months. It’s my night off.”
“Since when do you have a night off?”
“Since I’m at least partially responsible for the foolish smile on your face. Now that you’ve returned, Anna and I will be leaving for the evening.”
“Unless you need assistance, my lady,” Anna piped in, and Augie grimaced at the thought. On closer examination, they were both slightly disheveled. I supposed Augie had a magnificent evening as well then.
“No, no, I will be fine Anna.”
At Juliet’s dismissal, Anna appeared ready to press the issue, but Augie reached around and covered her mouth with his hand. I expected violence from Anna at the gesture, but she put up only the mildest of token struggles.
“We’ll be going then. Enjoy your evening. I’ll see you at the club tomorrow, Michael.”
The last comment was pointed but fair. I had been away too long. I offered a nod in acknowledgment before he pulled Anna out the door and into the night.
