“Yes, I thought so.”
“Well, it does make sense,” she said with a nod. “You are wealthier than most of the elite who will be in attendance. And this event is really about raising funds for the museum’s purposes. I would not be surprised to see a smattering of wealthy merchants rubbing elbows with dukes, earls, and others of rank.”
“I’m wondering if this might not be worth imitating for your next event,” he mused as they walked through his front gate.
“Certain aspects of their charity affair, for certain. The museum’s board is very good at raising funds. I think it isbecause they do a marvelous job of raising awareness and excitement. This is what I feel has been missing from my charity events lately,” she said, letting out a soft breath. “I am afraid my annual tea is getting too predictable and boring.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“We? Oh, I’m so glad you don’t mind taking on an active role.”
“But I still need to stay in the background.”
“Remain invisible? Oh, because of your wicked reputation?”
“Yes. It could do you more harm than good.”
She gave a dismissive shake of her head. “Sorry, but isn’t it a bit outrageous? Everyone struggles to go up in standing while you are wishing to encourage a bad name for yourself.”
He grinned. “I know. I cherish that bad reputation. But I’ve given much thought to my involvement in good causes. I am not going to shy away from them. With a little push in the right direction, people can be convinced I am extending my power and influence, and would become more dangerous, not less.”
“Oh, Gideon. Is that not awful?”
He shrugged. “Yes, I suppose. But I prefer to see it as the best possible outcome, to give to those in need and also maintain my wicked reputation. However, now that I am named as Berwick’s successor trustee, I’ll need to walk a very fine line. I cannot risk a judge removing me because he’s declared me unfit.”
Berry regarded him in dismay. “We ought to discuss this with Lord Berwick. Can he designate a string of successors? So that if you are removed, then someone else of his choosing is placed in charge. I am quite the heiress, and I fear a judge could be bribed to appoint one of his friends in your place. Is your removal a possibility, Gideon? I would never seek it. Who would have standing to plead to the court if I were not the one to bring suit?”
“There shouldn’t be anyone other than you with that ability, but a man determined to gain control of your trust funds mightfind a way. Bribe doctors to have you declared incompetent or mad. Have himself appointed as your guardian.”
“A man such as Hawthorne?” She frowned again.
“I am not saying it would be easy or even possible, but I cannot see any other way such a thing could happen.”
“I would marry you before it ever came to pass. Then you would be my husband and no one could challenge you.”
Dear heaven.
Had she just said that?
She glanced up at him and swallowed hard. “I mean, it is one possible solution.”
He placed a hand over hers. “Berry, I will do anything needed to protect you. Marriage to you would be an honor. It is you who would be hurt, mocked by thetonfor marrying a nobody. But between us, if ever it were to come to that, I would do all in my power to be a good husband to you and make you happy.”
He was going to make her cry. Weren’t those the loveliest words she had ever heard?
This was why Lord Berwick trusted him. Gideon may have come from nothing, buthewas not nothing.
He was her knight in shining armor.
They had walked to the rear of the house to enter through the newly built ballroom, but he stopped her and tipped her chin up so that she had to gaze at him. “Are you sniffling again?”
She nodded. “What you said was beautiful.”
“Gad, you are such a kitten,” he said with a wry, slightly bemused chuckle. “No tears, Berry. You shall always be safe with me. All right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. We are going to choose paint samples now. The painters will think I have been cruel to you if you walk in crying.”
