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He sank to one knee.

Eyes brimming with joyous tears, Lenora gazed down at him, her face radiant with love. God, what had he done to deserve such a gift?

He fumbled in his pocket for a moment, then withdrew a simple gold band studded with blue diamonds. Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, Jason said, “The instant I saw the ring in the jeweler’s, I knew it was perfect for you, darling. These rare blue diamonds are more turquoise than blue and are nearly the same color as your eyes.”

“It’s stunning, Jason.” She gave him a tremulous smile and blinked rapidly. “I’m afraid you’ve made me quite emotional.”

He took her hand and kissed the knuckles. “Lenora Esther Elizabeth Audsley, will you marry me? Be my partner and friend? Be my rudder on the ship of our lives together?”

“I want to say yes, Jason.” She bit her lower lip, then laughed softly. “Rather desperately, in fact. But we haven’t discussed where we’ll live, and I fear it matters greatly.”

Jason smiled up into her troubled face.

“We’ll have homes in America and England. I’ve been offered a position with Stapleton Shipping and Supplies that I’ve accepted. It means no voyages to foreign ports. In essence, I would coordinate the operations between their United States offices and those in England. I would make semi-annual voyages between America and England.”

This morning when he’d stopped by the offices of Stapleton Shipping and Supplies to inform them of his decision not to sail to India, a letter had been waiting for him with the offer. Evidently, Ronan Brockman had mentioned marriage might be in Jason’s future the last time he spoke with Viscountess Sethwick.

The proposition was a godsend, in truth—an answer to a desperate prayer.

Jason intended to pen an acceptance if Lenora agreed to marry him.

A brilliant smile wreathed her face. “I can think of nothing that would make me happier than to become your wife, Jason.”

He slipped the ring on her finger, then rose and drew her into his arms once more. “I think you’ll enjoy sailing. You have an adventurous spirit, though it hasn’t been given free rein.”

“I was afraid to love you, Jason. Afraid you were a rogue who would break my heart.”

“I vow before God, Lenora, you’ll never have cause to doubt me. I have never loved another. In fact, I doubted true love existed. Until you.”

Sighing, she nestled closer. “I’ll remember this as the best Christmas ever.”

Tilting her chin upward, Jason lowered his mouth to hers once more.

What could Keyworth do if he came upon them?

Insist they marry by a special license?

Excellent.

“And you are the greatest gift I’ll ever receive, my darling.”