She cared. More than a little. Which was without a doubt a victory to be savored, one of far greater importance than her appreciation for the hotel cuisine.
The only question now was how to proceed from here. He puzzled over the problem as he returned inside and made his way upstairs to his room. Perhaps a dance. Although he’d never cared much for dancing, he knew he’d enjoy it with her. And although no balls were being hosted in London this time of year, there were a few assembly halls on the outskirts of the city where they might be able to enjoy a festive evening. So he penned a note to his sister.Let us go dancing, it read.I will pick you up tomorrow at seven.
Satisfied, he settled in for a good night’s rest and sent his missive out in the morning. His sister wrote she and Josephine would be pleased to accompany him to the assembly hall the following evening. So with this in mind, Devon happily busied himself with hotel improvements, while looking forward to seeing Josephine again. But when he woke the next day, it was to discover a disagreeable piece of gossip making the headline.
Damn!
He crumpled the newspaper between his hands and tossed it aside. This was exactly what Josephine had been afraid of, to have people wonder about their connection. Thankfully, her friendship with his sister had prevented any mention of the word mistress, but implications had been made. It was suggested there was more between him and Miss Potter than met the eye, and everyone knew whatthatmeant.
Christ!
He had to act quickly to snuff out the fire before it could spread. Which meant only one option remained if he was to save her reputation at this point, and he bloody well hoped she agreed.
So when he arrived at his house in the evening, intent on escorting her and his sister out, he met Josephine in the parlor with nerves on edge, his entire body trembling with the prospect of her refusal. It shouldn’t have been this hasty. He’d wanted more time. But there was nothing like the threat of scandal to demand action be taken, which was why he did his best to ignore the rapid beat of his heart as he took a step toward her.
With a swift glance directed at his sister, he got her to leave the room before giving all his attention to the woman he meant to marry. “Have you seen today’s newspaper, Josephine?”
She shook her head, eyes widening with apprehension. “No.”
His butler had no doubt been considerate enough to ensure it went missing, for which Devon was immensely grateful. “It is suggested you and I are having an affair.” He would not repeat the title of the article which had read,Snowdon’s Seductive Spinster.
Gasping, Josephine covered her mouth with her gloved hand. “But we’re not,” she murmured.
He couldn’t ignore the terrified look in her eyes. It tore at his soul and filled him with guilt. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have stayed in this house while you were here, and I shouldn’t have said what I did when we were out on the lake.” She blushed, no doubt recalling his words. “I am convinced a journalist saw us arguing and drew his own conclusions. Most of what the gossip columnists say is rubbish. They can turn enemies into lovers simply by questioning the implication of certain things.”
She allowed her hand to fall away. “Is that how you see us? As enemies?”
“No. Of course not. I was merely making a point. Because when it comes to you…” He reached for her hand, relief sweeping through him when she did not pull away. “I never intended for it to be like this, rushed by circumstance. My plan was to court you much longer, a month or two at the very least since this is what I believe you deserve. ”
“Court me?”
“Has it not occurred to you that this is what I’ve been trying to do these past four days?”
“No. I mean, maybe. Your letter was rather telling, I suppose, but I never dared hope for more than friendship from you. Not after I made it clear that being your mistress was not going to happen.”
Raising his hand to her cheek, he smoothed it over her skin. “I told you I would never ask you to do such a thing. The only position I would ever want you to fill is that of my wife and duchess. Marry me, Josephine, fill my life with challenge and excitement and make me the happiest man there is.”
She hesitated, and in the following seconds, he knew what he offered wasn’t enough. She might take it all the same, but it would not satisfy the cravings of her heart, so he took a step closer and shared the contents of his own. “I have fallen in love with you, with your stubbornness and pride, with your kindness and your undeniable sense of morality. We started out on uneven footing, I will grant you that, and I have cost you something you held dear, I will accept that too. But as my wife and joint owner of the Park View Hotel, you will be able to do the accounts to your heart’s content, if that is what you wish.”
Staring up at him, her eyes began to shimmer. “Truly?”
“You won’t be an employee, and that makes all the difference.”
“But…” She still wasn’t saying yes. “I would surrender my independence to you.”
He’d known she would struggle with such a prospect. After all, she’d been so determined to hold on to what was hers–to her employment, to the house she struggled to keep, to her dignity. “We will draw up a satisfactory contract before we say our vows, one which gives you as much freedom as you may wish.”
“It will be unprecedented.”
He nodded, moving closer still, so close he could smell the fragrance of roses wafting off her skin. “Yes, but the thing of it is, all I want is you, Josephine. I have no desire to rule your life or force my will upon you. Though I would like to know your answer.”
“My answer is yes, Devon. It has always been yes.”
“Even when we fought?”
“Even then.”
Which was all he needed to hear before dipping his head and claiming her lips with his. The tiniest sound escaped her, part sigh, part whimper, so thrillingly tempting in the innocence it conveyed. Gently, as if uncertain, she wound her arms around his neck and leaned into his embrace. His palm settled against her back, pressing her close, so close their chests touched, so close he could feel her heart beating in time with his.
