“What?” Quick faltered on the word.
“After you left Hawksthorn, Adele and I had a long talk. She wants to marry you. I think you just told me you want to marry her.”
Hawk was sure he heard the man gulp. His lids fluttered, and for a moment Hawk worried the man might need to sit down.
“You mean she—you want me to marry her? After all I just said?”
“I’m not sure it’s reason to be happy, Quick. You will have your hands full taking care of Adele. However, since you both want it, my solicitors should have the contracts written and ready for you and your solicitors to read in a couple of weeks.”
“I don’t know what to say other than all right. I’ll let my uncle know and we’ll make plans to return to London in a fortnight.”
“I know the earl preferred that he handle the contracts for you, but I’d rather negotiate with just you and your solicitors and leave him out of this.”
“Like you, Uncle is more versed than I am in contracts of any nature, their meanings, and what a proper dowry should be. Though he’s been a stern guardian most of the time, he has taken care of Loretta and me for a long time. I must respect his wishes in this.”
Hawk nodded again, knowing it would take great restraint to remain civil while talking to the earl. Quick and Loretta might respect the man, but Hawk didn’t.
“Then I’ll comply with your wishes.”
Quick nodded, turned, and started walking out.
“Paxton,” Hawk said, calling him by his Christian name for the first time.
Looking back, he said, “Yes, Your Grace?”
Hawk’s gaze penetrated Paxton’s. “Don’t ever threaten me again.”
“I don’t expect that you’ll give me a reason to.”
Paxton left the room and Hawk picked up the cup and downed the last of the stone-cold coffee.
He had to come up with a way to make Loretta forget about that damned vow. He turned to throw the cup into the fireplce when from the corner of his eye he saw Adele rushing toward him. She flew into his arms, making him drop the cup to the floor. By some miracle it didn’t break.
“Oh, Hawk, you are the most wonderful brother in the whole world.”
“By the devil, Adele, what’s wrong with you? If I’m so wonderful why do I see tears streaming down your face?”
“Because I’m so happy. I heard what Mr. Quick said and it made my heart melt. He is not only the happiest man I know, he is a knight in shining, gleaming armor. Did you hear how he defended his sister?”
“Of course I heard. He was talking to me. Not you.” Hawk frowned and set Adele away from him. “You eavesdropped on my conversation?”
“No,” she said, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hands. “I mean, yes, I overheard it. Most of it, maybe. Except when you talked very low. But no, I didn’t eavesdrop, I just listened.”
“Adele, you are supposed to be in London for dress fittings, not to be listening to my private conversations.”
“Oh, I know.” She huffed. “It was rude of me and I’m sorry, but I was coming to see you when I heard Mr. Quick’s voice say you had made Miss Quick cry. How could I leave after that? I had to know what you’d done to her.”
The devil take it! “I didn’t make her cry,” he said from between clenched teeth.
“Even so, as I told you at Hawksthorn, I liked Miss Quick and I stand with her brother. If you make her cry again, you’ll have me to answer to me, too.”
Hawk was in no mood to pacify his sister. The conversation with Paxton had been more than enough to put him in an ill humor.
“Fine. He will be your husband. You may do so. Now I have things to do.”
“Wait.” She reached up and kissed his cheek and hugged him tightly. “I am happy with Mr. Quick, Hawk.” She turned him loose and smiled again. “I think he’ll make a wonderful husband and Miss Quick a true sister. You did hear him say he would feel the same way if you made me cry, didn’t you?”
“I heard every word he said, Adele,” he said indulgently.
