“Of course not,” Mars answered. Seeing that he’d shocked her, he explained, “You have a good heart, Clarissa. Because of that, you assume others share your consideration for their fellow humans. I’ll warn you right now, you’ve lived in a sheltered world. It’s simple and the people are kind to each other. London is different. Everyone wants something. My mother thrives in that world. And what she wants is for us to be in Town by Monday. The vote will be on Thursday and then we will wisely race home on Friday.”
We.He’d said “we.” “I’m to go with you? What of Dora? Will we take her with us?”
He didn’t let go of her hand, preventing her from running. “I may have found a wet nurse. If she takes the position and you find her amenable, Dora can stay with her.”
“I don’t know—”
“I’dlikefor you to accompany me to London.”
“I will be of no use to you. I don’t know anyone.”
“I will introduce you. If we are to set up the accounts you requested, your presence would be necessary. Or are you just going to accept my word that it has been done?”
“I—”
“Clarissa, I need your steadiness. I want you there.”
Oh, dear.Needed. No one had ever needed her. She thought of opium dens and wondered if that was what he meant by “steadiness.” “I have nothing to wear—”
“I have already promised to buy you whatever you wish.”
They stood very close to each other. His breath smelled of mint. He looked past her shoulder. “Dora’s asleep?”
“Yes, she has been up for several hours. I just convinced her to go down before I came to you.”
His gaze had traveled to the crib but now it swung down to her, practically tucked in the haven of his body. When he spoke, it was for her ears alone.
“I’m not going to set you aside, Clarissa, if that is what you fear. I’m not going to marry you as an elaborate ruse. It is important that you are widely recognized as my wife.”
She nodded mutely. In truth, it was hard to think being so close to him. To even breathe.
“Believe me when I say this, Clarissa. I’m like my father. I will honor my marriage vows and your terms.” Then he added softly, “You can trust me.”
Did she? Did she trust anyone any longer?
Then he raised her hand to his lips and kissed the fingers. The gesture melted any resistance.
She was going to marry him. With that knowledge, she felt something hard and tight within her relax. She would become the wife of not only the most eligible catch in the parish, in England even, but also a man who was young and handsome... and virile. Oh, so very virile. Certainly a man beyond what a foundling like herself could ever have hoped to marry.
Clarissa had always feared she’d be stuck with a grasping man like Warner Emsdale. Perhaps that was why she had been doubly set against him. Well, that and because he was a crude bully.
However, all of that was in her past. Warner Emsdale wouldn’t think of touching her now. His crotchety grandmother’s meanness could no longer harm her.
Then Mars gifted her with his laziest, most handsome smile and said, “Who knows? We might even fall in love. Stranger things have happened.”
She couldn’t believe he’d say such a thing. Immediately, a wistful part of her wanted his words to come true, that she’d find a place in his heart. She didn’t speak such silliness aloud, of course. After all, she had her pride. And she’d learned over the years not to trust the musings of others—
The moment for confidences was interrupted by a knock on his lordship’s door. “My lord? I have excellent news.” It was Mr. Gibson.
Mars acted as if he didn’t appreciate the interruption any more than she did. However, he released her hand and entered his rooms. She followed, stopping at the doorway.
Mr. Gibson reported that Hodner, the footman with a sister in Cambridge, had sent a message. Yes, she was still nursing and would be grateful to accept employment in Lord Marsden’s household.
“She’s been widowed,” Mars explainedto her. “Her husband was an ostler and was dragged behind a runaway team.”
“That is terrible.”
“Yes, but at least we can offer her someplace safe to live where she will be useful. In fact, Clarissa, this will free you from most of the nurse duties. We were going to have to hire a nurse and this makes life simpler.”
