“That was—”
“By thugs who thought you were male. I dare not even imagine what such men would do to a beautiful woman.” The compliment made her a little dizzy. She’d known he found her attractive – irresistibly so – but to hear him say it was rather lovely. He shook his head. “If you wanted to come here I would have gladly provided the escort.”
“I thought you were too busy.” When he gave her a blank look she said, “I’ve not seen as much as your shadow since leaving your home five days ago, Brody.”
“I’ve been busy tending to my ledgers, correspondence, and selling off items I don’t need so we can be comfortable. It’s important to me that you have your own maid as well as a horse to ride, should that strike your fancy.”
Her heart melted and she reached for his hand. “I don’t need any of that.”
“You’ll be the Duchess of Corwin. Anything less would be unacceptable.”
She sighed. “You know, we don’thaveto marry.”
“What?” The word was so tightly spoken it sounded as though it might crack.
“I believe this wedding is proving a huge inconvenience to you.”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
How positively unromantic. She averted her gaze and fiddled with her skirt while trying to hide the pain in her heart. This marriage would happen for practical reasons alone, and while she’d initially thought she had the strength to go through with it, further reflection had made her realize she didn’t. She couldn’t marry a man she loved unless he loved her in return.
Oh, Lucy. I pray you forgive me.
“As much as I appreciate your willingness to save me from ruin, I’ve realized it’s not at all necessary.”
“Not necessary,” he sputtered. “But, Harriet, we discussed this. Betsy saw us together. In bed and with your nightgown almost up to your waist. Of course we have to marry.”
“I disagree. A scandal would only occur if I were a noteworthy person. But I’m not, so no one will care.”
“Iwill.” His sharply spoken remark snapped her gaze back to his. Blue eyes, brimming with some sort of furious passion, pinned her. He tossed the bouquet of roses aside, scattering petals all over the floor, then grabbed her by the shoulders. “You told me you love me. Or was that also a lie?”
“Of course not.” How could he think so?
Incomprehension burned in his eyes as he bowed his head and leaned in, bringing his face within one inch of hers. “Then what’s the problem?”
“It’s that…” She shook her head. He would not make her say it.
“This makes no sense.” He retreated a step. “Is this about my disapproval of your coming here unescorted?”
“No.”
He studied her before asking, “Do you want to continue working. Is that it? When I arrived, Mr. Hudson asked if such an arrangement might be possible, and I assured him that I would discuss it with you. Of course, you would have to accept theton’sdisapproval, but as duchess, I’m confident you’ll manage.”
How could she not love him? “Your generosity means more to me than you can imagine.”
“All I want is to make you happy.”
“I know, but I don’t think marrying me will achieve that.”
“Why not?” The look he gave her was one of outrage and, she realized a second too late, unvarnished anguish. He looked like a puppy she’d kicked in the stomach. “If you love me as you claim, then why don’t you want to spend the rest of your life with me as much as I want to spend the rest of my life with you? It’s all I’ve been thinking of since we last parted – the joy I will find in loving you with every beat of my heart, but you’re…you’re crushing me, Harriet, and I don’t understand why.”
“Oh, Brody.” The anguish in his voice was too much. She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him to her, holding him close with all her might. “I didn’t realize. Forgive me. I thought your only motivation for marriage was duty.”
“But I told you how I felt.” He broke away from her and searched her face. “Didn’t I?”
She shook her head. “You showed me through actions, not words. But I was blinded by the hurt I felt when I told you I loved you and you didn’t say it back. It stopped me from paying attention to what truly mattered.”
“Then let me be perfectly clear with you, Harriet Michaels.” He pulled her into his arms and nudged her chin with his hand, tilting her head back until their eyes met. “I love you. Desperately. More than I ever believed I would love another soul.”
