“You should thank your friend,” Austin replied, glancing at Deena. “She is the reason I acted. Without her, I would not have known the urgency.”
Deena’s smile faltered into something more fragile. He regretted leaving her for so long, but when he left her chamber, and the footman arrived with a letter from Mr. Whitman saying there was likely to be some trouble at the Port with Miss Grande and her family, he had no choice.
He wished he could have told her about his plan from the very beginning. How Whitman’s investigator found the conventthat Penelope was moved to, and how planning her escape was not easy. They did not foresee the potential troubles. But it all worked out, and he was pleased.
“Miss Grande,” Austin addressed her. She stepped forward, her hands clasped before her. “You are to leave for Scotland tomorrow; you will be chaperoned and protected… Lord Edward awaits you.”
Penelope smiled brightly and looked at Deena.
“You deserve peace and a home for your child.” Deena hugged her tightly.
Seeing Penelope’s joy made him understand why his wife had helped her meet her lover.
Miss Grande’s lips trembled into a smile when she turned back to Austin. “I would be honored if you and Deena visited us. Edward would welcome you both.”
Austin’s eyes flickered to Deena, who stood overwhelmed with emotion. He gave a small nod. “We shall consider it. My footman will take you to our guest room, where you may freshen up and prepare for your journey ahead.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Penelope curtsied once more, despite his earlier protest, and then turned to Deena. They embraced again, whispering promises of letters and visits. Austin waitedpatiently until Penelope finally departed, leaving the room quieter with unspoken words.
Deena remained standing, her hands twisting together. She looked at him with uncertainty.
“I am sorry that I?—”
“I do not know how to thank you,” her whisper cut him off. “You did not need to do all this.”
Austin stepped closer to her but did not touch her. “Stop saying that.”
Her brows furrowed. “But this was not your burden to carry.”
“Deena, you are not a burden. Everything you need—it is my pleasure to get it for you.” His gaze held hers. “People find happiness when they get to help the one they love.”
Deena’s breath caught as she stared at him. Austin knew that his words had struck something deep within her, just as it did for him. He had never loved anyone before, and yet here he was, baring himself to Deena. Confessing that it was more than just caring for her.
Deena’s breath caught. Her lips parted, and her eyes widened with a soft, startled vulnerability. “Austin… do you truly mean that?”
He stepped closer, drawn to her as though pulled by something he could no longer resist. “I would not say it if I did not.”
“But—” She swallowed, voice trembling. “I have never wanted to be someone’s responsibility.”
“You are not,” he said gently. “You are my choice.”
Her eyes shimmered, and she looked away for a moment, as if the intensity of his words was too much to bear. “I do not know if I deserve that.”
It is I who does not deserve it.
“You do,” he said, firmer now. “More than anyone I have ever known.”
She let out a shaky breath. “You make it sound so simple.”
“It is simple,” he murmured. “At least for me.”
She looked up at him again, searching his face. “Why?”
Austin exhaled slowly, feeling the truth rise in him like a tide he could no longer hold back. “Because caring for you does not take from me. It gives me something I did not know I was missing.”
Deena looked up at him, and Austin could not quite read her expression. No woman looked at him the way she did, withsuch…admiration and compassion. Austin cleared his throat. “Your brother is another perfect example of someone who cares deeply for you,” he continued.
Her brows creased. “Dom?”
