Case quirked an eyebrow. “Do you think that’s wise? If he fell into the ocean, it is doubtful anyone would recognize the body when it washes ashore.”
“Just get him,” Justin said firmly. “It was done in self-defense. There is nothing anyone can do to Jillian. Better we clear this up now or we will have to live with this hanging over our heads.”
Case nodded and hurriedly left.
Justin turned back to Jillian and his heart clenched as he saw tears trailing down her cheeks. “Ahhh, sweetheart, don’t cry,” he said softly. “I can’t bear it when you cry.”
“I killed a man, Justin, and I am not sorry. He was going to shoot you—” She broke off as she gulped back a sob. “Oh God, Justin, I almostlostyou.”
“Shhh, Jillian, you will never lose me. Sweetheart, do you know what this means?”
She looked up, her eyes bright with her tears. “What?”
“We are free.Free.”
Her eyes widened in wonder as she took in his meaning. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Then she began to cry in earnest.
Through her tears some of the horrible weight lifted from her. Justin’s words repeated over and over in her mind.Free. She was finally free from Lucass’ hold. She was a married woman no more.
She looked at the man in front of her with new eyes. He watched her, his face a wreath of concern. She smiled hesitantly and reached out to touch his jaw. “I love you,” she whispered.
He captured her hand and brought it to his lips. “And I love you.”
“Justin, what if—what if the constable wants to jail me?”
“You must know I would never let that happen,” he murmured. “Whatever our circumstances, I am still the Duke of Whittington, and my story won’t be doubted.”
“But I killed him.”
“He would have killed you and me, Jillian. You had no choice.”
They both looked up as Case walked in, a portly looking gentleman following close on his heels. “I say,” the man began. “What goes on here? Lord Case said there was a shooting.”
Justin stood and quickly explained the circumstances. Jillian watched as the man listened with keen interest to the story. She bit her lip nervously, in dread of what the constable would say.
“Tried to choke her ladyship, you say?” the man asked. “That is despicable.”
“You can see the marks for yourself,” Justin said gesturing to where she sat on the sofa.
The man reddened and then stuttered, “Quite all right, quite all right, no need to disregard propriety. I certainly take you on your word, your grace. I’ll take your statements and file a report. There is no need for further action.”
Jillian breathed a huge sigh of relief as the constable left a few minutes later. She began to shake as the pent-up fear was released. Justin knelt in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Let’s go home, Jillian.”
She looked up at the love reflected in his eyes and her heart constricted. “Home is wherever you are.”
He drew her into his arms and kissed her gently, reverently. “Jillian, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
“Does this mean I get to be a duchess after all?” she asked teasingly.
His expression grew serious as he looked into her eyes. “You were always the duchess of my heart.”
She melted under his warm gaze. “Yes, I would be honored to be your wife.”
He whirled her around and then stopped in front of Case, looking befuddled by his brother’s presence.
Case chuckled. “Oh, don’t mind me. I am obviously not here.”
“Call for your carriage. You can take us home,” Justin said, grinning broadly.
