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“I was determined to see everyone as an enemy to my aunt, but once I got to know you, I realized you love her as much as I do.”

She gave a soft smile. “She is hard not to love.” He heard her exhale. “But, Reuben, I do have something I should tell you too. Seeing as we are confessing all here.”

“What is it?”

“I was sent here because of a task.”

“A task?” he echoed.

“My grandfather had no sons. No one to whom to leave his money. So he decided to split his inheritance between my siblings and me. However, there was a proviso—we all had to fulfill a task.”

“I see,” he said cautiously.

“My task was to come and work as your aunt’s companion for two months. If all went well, and I was not sent away or did something foolish, my task would be considered completed. The family lawyer tells me I have done just that.”

Reuben frowned and tried to process the words. At least he understood why a woman like Angel would take up a position, but it was an odd deal indeed. “Two months? So why are you still here?”

“I could not leave your aunt at the mercy of two charlatans now, could I?” She gave a wry grin and pressed a hand against his chest, just over his rapidly beating heart. “My grandfather thought I needed to take the time to look after someone else, to think of others, to leave the whirlwind of London society. And he was absolutely right.”

“Why not tell me this to begin with? When I clearly doubted you?”

“I do not think that would have made you think any better of me! Besides, we were sworn to secrecy. My grandfather did not want us having any external help.”

Reuben took a moment to process the news. It was unusual to be certain, but he could not help wanting to utter up a thanks to Angel’s grandfather, without sending Angel here, Reuben would still be a serious, uptight stick, with little idea of what love felt like.

He rested a hand over hers, pressing her palm against his thudding heart. “Is that everything?”

She giggled. “I think so.”

“No more secrets or misunderstandings?”

She shook her head. “No. Though I suppose there is one more thing I must tell you.”

He mentally braced himself. “What is it, Angel?”

She bit down briefly on her bottom lip and glanced down before meeting his gaze. “I love you.”

The words were whispered, but to his heart, they might as well have been a shout. Triumph roared through him, sending his pulse into overdrive. He wrapped his arms around her and lifted her from her feet to press her closer to him. She laughedand curled her arms around his neck. He finally lowered her so he could press a brief kiss to her lips.

She beamed at him. “I take it this news is not unwelcome.”

“Never.” He kissed her again. “I love you too. Heck, I think I loved you from the moment I saw you splattered in paint.”

She blushed and used both hands to cup his face. “Not my finest moment.”

“From where I was standing, you looked fine indeed.” He paused. “But, Angel, will your family not protest you marrying a mere Mr.? Were they not hoping for a duke or some such for you?”

Angel shook her head with a grin. “My family will simply be glad I am settling down. Besides, they are used to me doing things differently.” She came onto tiptoes. “Besides, who needs a duke when I have the stern, commanding, and oh so handsome Mr. Reuben Hunter.”

Her breath whispered over his lips, forcing a groan from him. He was not sure she had painted him in the most flattering light, but if she loved him despite all of his flaws, he suspected they would do very well together indeed.

Epilogue

Angel quietly shut the door, hearing the faint click as it bolted into place. She turned with a small giggle to find Reuben sitting on the bed, eyeing her.

“What are you up to?” he asked.

“This library isenormous,”she said, rushing over to the bed and collapsing on top of it. “I could practicallylivethere!”