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Seraphina watched her mother’s rage transform into meekness, and after giving her daughter one more look of disgusted disappointment, she left the terrace.

“Come,” Hugo insisted, pulling Seraphina toward the garden, “I want a moment to speak where we are entirely alone.”

“Hugo, I am sorry,” she apologized, allowing him to lead her away, “I did not mean for this to happen when I came to your room.”

“This is not your fault. It was I that kissed you, and a maid’s ill timing that caught us up in this scandal,” he replied.

“But it was I that snuck to your room,” she replied, knowing at least some of the blame laid with her.

“Yes,” he agreed, stopping them in a small grove of trees, “You came to say goodbye. And I need to know, even now, if you still want to do so.”

Seraphina looked at him in surprise. Was he actually giving her a choice?”

“But you just said to my mother-”

“I know,” he answered quickly, “But I would never truly try to force you into anything.”

Despite the seriousness of the situation, a charming smile twitched at his lips.

“Coax you, yes.Seduceyou, of course,” he purred. “But never force you.”

Even now, even after her shock and anger, Seraphina felt her body come alive with arousal at his words and voice.

“I know what that is like, and I could not bear to do that to you,” Hugo went on, his smile fading, “So I ask you now- do you still want to say goodbye? I can bear another rumor. They truly mean nothing to me. But what I will not tolerate is a wife that does not want to be mine.”

His seductive tone had transformed into disgust; creating a tension that would no doubt send other women running. And yet, as Seraphina stood beside him, she felt nothing but comfortemanating from his presence. It made her feel brave, and so she decided to answer with her truth.

“I need to be honest, Hugo. I am not as fearless as you may think me. Your temper at times overtakes you, transforms into something else and I do not like it.”

“So that is a no then,” he growled.

“I say this all to reach this answer,” she continued, raising a finger toward him, “That despite that, I meant what I said to my mother. I believe we understand one another. Not completely. But perhaps in time we could remedy that.”

“Since we are being honest,” he replied, “If you expect this marriage to be a romance you will be sorely disappointed.”

“I want friendship,” she acknowledged, “But I do not need such romance. I need understanding. Peace. If we are getting to the specifics of this arrangement, then that is mine. Do not keep me from my friends. Do not keep me from that which makes me happy.”

She gave him a stern look. He was right. If he was not going to be pushed into marriage for a scandal then neither was she.

“If you can agree to that, then yes, I shall marry you.”

“I came to London only to conduct business and find a wife,” he warned her. “With both potentially coming to a conclusion I willnot tarry here longer. That being said, you may invite whomever you wish to Merrivale. But can you do that, Seraphina? Can you leave London behind?”

Despite the seriousness of the conversation Seraphina let out a dry laugh.

“I suspect I am just done with this wretched city as you are,” she replied, and as she said this, Hugo took a breath of relief, and nearly smiled.

“Speak your answer now then,” he urged, though his tone was calm.

Seraphina pulled in a breath from her nostrils and straightened her shoulders.

“Hugo Fenwick, Duke of Merrivale. I accept your proposal, and agree to be your wife.”

Seraphina was not sure what she was expecting, but his sudden, emphatic kiss was not it. Their conversation had been rather cold, practical, and it took her by surprise that it was ending with such warmth.

“Very well then,” he replied, pulling back, leaving her dazed.

“I’ll arrange for us to obtain a special license, you get yourself a dress, and we shall be married by the end of next week.”