He then told her about Bonham and Suzanna.
She squealed and clapped her hands. “Oh, Gwendolyn predicted this! She knew it the moment they set eyes on each other. She predicted the same for you and me, but I dared not believe her. I only dreamed of the possibility, but expected the reality to be quite different. I was preparing myself for heartbreak, never expecting this happiness.”
“Same for me.” Gideon shook his head. “Berry, I still cannot believe you and I are a possible match. That is,Iknow we are. But I never thought you would deign to accept me when I am everything reviled by Society’s elite.”
She cast him a gentle, admonishing frown. “I did not spend years holding out for love just to refuse it when the perfect man came along. That you and Bonham are hardworking is an asset, not something to be frowned upon. Theton’s rules about this are ridiculous. Who wants a lazy dolt for a husband? I would prefer a gentleman in trade any day. I know Suzanna feels the same. She never cared what others thought and was ready to accept Bonham if he ever proposed.”
“But that’s just it—we are not gentlemen. We’ve worked hard to build up our business, but we have none of the elegance one expects in a gentleman.”
“And Hawthorne and his friends did?” she remarked with a dismissive shake of her head. “They were given every advantage, given allowances, courtesy titles, the best schooling, and squandered it all.”
“Still, you had to give thought to what I represented because you had the orphanage to worry about.”
She nodded. “Even so, if you loved me, I was going to do all in my power to make both work. It simply was not an option to do otherwise. I was not going to give you up or the orphanage without a fierce battle. After last night, that is no longer a concern.”
He was not so certain it would all be easy sailing from here on out.
However, they had been given this precious chance to make a life with each other, and he wanted to grab on to it as much as Berry did.
“We have some things to talk about,” he said.
She motioned for him to sit in the chair beside her. “Yes, several important matters to resolve before we marry. I’ll leave the betrothal terms for you and Lord Berwick to negotiate, but do let me know if he gives you a hard time,” she said with a light laugh. “You will have access to all my funds anyway as trustee. And the law gives a husband broad powers over a wife’s assets.”
“I am interested inyou, not your wealth. But setting aside trusts and laws, Lord Berwick needs to know that you will have access to all I own in return. You will, Berry. I am always going to protect you.”
“I know. You always make me feel safe.”
He smiled.
“Then we have the problem of two houses,” she said. “I have a suggestion that might resolve this.”
He leaned forward, hoping she might be thinking the same thing he was. “Go on, tell me.”
“Suzanna and Bonham will need a home of their own.”
He let out a breath. “Yes. That had come to my mind, as well.”
“Do you think he would consider purchasing my home? Suzanna loves this place, and it would be perfect for her in so many ways, not the least of which is to remain close to Gwendolyn.”
“You would give up your place?” In truth, the notion surprised him, because she was very sentimental, and this home was a connection to her parents.
“Well, I would ask a fair price. I don’t think Lord Berwick would allow me to simply gift it to them.”
“Bonham would insist on paying for it. He isn’t looking for charity. But I know he would be in favor of the idea. He and I have not discussed the possibility. I wanted to discuss it with you first.” He shook his head. “I thought for sure you would ask me to sell mine.”
“I love your house.” She cast him an impish smile. “After all, I designed it exactly as I would wish my home to be. And you have that lovely ballroom. After last night’s triumph, people might actually attend our parties if we ever hold any.”
He laughed. “I’ll try not to behave like an arse and have everyone hate me again.”
“They’ll adore you, especially the women.”
He took hold of her hand. “As long asyoustill like me.”
“Oh, I do not think you need ever worry about that.” She turned toward the stone wall that separated their homes. “We could throw some splendid holiday parties in your enormous ballroom, and even hold some special events for the orphans. Why not bring them all there for a musical recital or yuletide festivities? And wouldn’t the Ladies Tea Society love to hold their weekly meetings there?”
He groaned in jest. “We are not going to have a quiet life, are we?”
“Occasionally noisy, but we can always cut back on entertaining if it gets too much for you. This is to be your home and sanctuary, after all.”
