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Therefore, he was surprised when the footman knocked on the door to his study and informed him that he had a guest. Afemaleguest.

“What could a woman want with me at this time of night?” he asked.

“She says she must have a word with you,” the butler said.

“Did she by any means mention her name?”

Edwin did not keep female friends, so no woman had a reason to visit him. Moreover, such action was frowned upon in the ton.

“Indeed, Your Grace. Her name is Miss Jennings.”

Edwin sat up in his chair immediately. “Miss Jennings? Why, usher her in immediately,” he ordered.

His mind raced as he wondered what the reason for such a visit could possibly be. He had heard about Miss Jennings and her reputation as a prim and proper lady. Such ladies did not visit an unmarried dukeunchaperoned.

Merely a few seconds passed before the woman walked into his study, her eyes shuttered and cold. He could immediately tell that whatever had driven her to his house was not a small matter.

“Why, Miss Jennings. To what do I owe this unexpected visit?” he asked in a taunting tone.

“I have come to ask you not to propose to my sister,” she said simply.

Edwin frowned. “Then you must return home immediately, because I will not agree to that. Besides, I am certain your father would not be too pleased to hear that you have paid me a visit in the dead of night to threaten to ruin my reputation if I press my suit.”

A hint of fear flashed in her eyes. “You would not do something of that sort,” she huffed. “I know you would not lie so brazenly.”

Edwin shrugged. “Then I suppose my suspicions are correct, and you do not know me quite as much as I thought you did. Because if you did, you would know that I can lie so brazenly, and I would simply not rescind my offer unless you make me a better one.”

“You must tell me, Your Grace,” Ava said. She took the seat opposite him, even though he had not asked her to sit. “Why have you suddenly changed your mind and decided to marry, when you have been a bachelor for so long?”

The look in her eyes told Edwin that she might already know the answer to her question.

“I suppose it is time for me to take a wife.”

Ava laughed. “I suppose it is for business purposes. You need a wife by your side to improve your image among your businesspartners. Moreover, a married man is more trustworthy than a bachelor.”

Edwin could not help but be impressed by her insight. However, he did not quite show it.

“I am amused by your ability to understand everything around you,” he admitted.

She cracked a proud smile. “Marry me instead of Stella, then.”

Edwin could not believe his ears. The prim and proper Miss Jennings had not only visited him unchaperoned in the middle of the night, but now she was proposing that he marry her, rather than her sister.

How strange could the night possibly get?

“Before you reject my offer,” she added quickly, “I have chaperoned my sisters for years, and I know all the ways of the ton and how to conduct myself. Moreover, I have befriended many married ladies, and I am aware of the duties and responsibilities they have. As your wife, I would certainly be an asset to you.”

Edwin could certainly see her point.

“You make a good point, I’ll give you that. However, you have been a spinster for years. You might have managed to maintain apristine reputation and avoid drama, but your reputation is still not as perfect as that of a fresh debutante.”

He did not miss the hurt that flitted over her face.

“Then I suppose I shall take my leave,” she declared, rising from her chair.

She had just reached for the door handle when he spoke again.

“Come and sit on my lap.”