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“Stop that,” the dowager hissed. “You can’t marry her.”

“Jack,” Grace whispered. Her lips were trembling, and he knew she was thinking about it. She was teetering.

And he could bring her over the edge.

“For once in your life,” he said fervently, “make yourself happy.”

“Stop this!” Crowland blustered. He grabbed Jack under his arm and tried to haul him to his feet, but Jack would not budge. He would remain on one knee for eternity if that was what it took.

“Marry me, Grace,” he whispered.

“You will marry Amelia!” Crowland cut in.

Jack did not take his eyes off Grace’s face. “Marry me.”

“Jack…” she said, and he could hear it in her voice that she thought she should make an excuse, should say something about his duty or her place.

“Marry me,” he said again, before she could go on.

“She is not acceptable,” the dowager said coldly.

He brought Grace’s hands to his lips. “I will marry no one else.”

“She is not of your rank!”

He turned and gave his grandmother an icy look. He felt rather ducal, actually. It was almost entertaining. “Do you wish for me to produce an heir? Ever?”

The dowager’s face pinched up like a fish.

“I shall take that as a yes,” he announced. “Which means that Grace shall have to marry me.” He shrugged. “It’s the only way, if I am to give Wyndham a legitimate heir.”

Grace started to blink, and her mouth—the corners were moving. She was fighting herself, telling herself she should say no. But she loved him. He knew that she did, and he would not allow her to throw that away.

“Grace—” He scowled, then laughed. “What the devil is your middle name, anyway?”

“Catriona,” she whispered.

“Grace Catriona Eversleigh,” he said, loud and sure, “I love you. I love you with every inch of my heart, and I swear right now, before all who are assembled…” He looked around, catching sight of the rectory housekeeper, who was standing open-mouthed in the doorway. “…even—devil it,” he muttered, “what is your name?”

“Mrs. Broadmouse,” she said, eyes wide.

Jack cleared his throat. He was beginning to feel like himself. For the first time in days, he felt like himself. Maybe he was stuck with this bloody title, but with Grace at his side, he could find a way to do some good with it.

“I swear to you,” he said, “before Mrs. Broadmouse—”

“Stop this!” the dowager yelled, grabbing hold of his other arm. “Get on your feet!”

Jack gazed up at Grace and smiled. “Was there ever a proposal so beleaguered?”

She smiled back, even as tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

“You are supposed to marry Amelia!” Lord Crowland growled.

And then there was Amelia…poking her head around her father’s shoulder. “I won’t have him,” she announced, rather matter-of-fact. She caught Jack’s eye and smiled.

The dowager gasped. “You would refuse my grandson?”

“This grandson,” Amelia clarified.