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“I hope you intend to propose to my daughter, LordDarius.”

Papa!

Dariuslifted his head but didn’t release Araminta. He turned toward her father, still holding her close to his side. “Yes, sir. I do. With your blessing.”

Wearinga navy blue quilted banyan, Papa appeared to have recuperated overnight. His expression was kind but serious as he shifted his focus between Araminta and Darius.

“I needn’t ask if you love him, daughter.” Papa smiled, a hint of mirth in his eyes. “It’s been obvious as a pig wearing a tartan and a tiara that something has been distracting you.” He shifted his focus to Darius. “Or rather, someone.”

Unableto subdue her smile any more than she could the riot of curls on her head, Araminta nodded.

“I do love Darius, Papa.”

“Well, then. I suggest you come inside, my lord.” Her father stepped aside. “We can discuss a date, though I’d guess you’ll want to wed as soon as I have read the banns thrice.”

“Indeed, sir.” Darius dropped his loving gaze to her. “If you are agreeable, Araminta.”

Araminta’spulse stuttered.

Sosoon?

Whatwould become of Papa and the girls?

Whowould take care of them?

Herconcern must have registered on her face.

“I see your hesitation, daughter, and I can guess the cause.” Papa rubbed his chin. “I mean to hire a housekeeper and governess. My meeting in London went extremely well, and the Church has raised my annual compensation considerably.”

Asthe Church should have done over a decade ago.

Reliefwashed over Araminta. She slid her hand into Darius’s warm palm. “It won’t be too much with the grand opening? We could wait until afterward.”

Shedidn’t want to wait, but Darius had been planning the bookstore’s opening for months.

“Not at all.” Shaking his head, he touched her cheek. “My family is coming for the grand opening. Now they’ll have something else to celebrate while they are here. Trust me. They’ll be thrilled. We’ll have to postpone our honeymoon for a few months, though.”

“I don’t mind.” Certain she’d never been happier in her entire life, tears pooled in Araminta’s eyes. “Then three weeks it is.”