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Mother pulled Juliana into her arms. “Of course I did. It was a different kind of love than I had for Henry. Quiet and comfortable, not the tumultuous riot of feelings that nearly tore me apart. But never doubt that I loved Francis. We were friends first and foremost. He was a good man, and we had a wonderful life together.”

The words of her father that long ago evening when he’d been in his cups resurfaced. I know your mother will never love me as I love her. And yet, I don’t care. Would her love for Victor be enough for both of them? Would she settle as her father had?

“If Drake gives his blessing, will you accept Victor’s proposal?” Concern shone in her mother’s eyes.

“I don’t know.” Her answer, no more than a whisper, held both hope and despair.

Frampton appeared in the doorway. “His Grace requests you join him and Mr. Pratt in the study, Miss Merrick.”

Her mother rose. “I’m coming with you.”

Juliana grasped her mother’s hand, and together they walked toward Juliana’s future.

Drake and Victor rose upon seeing them, the smile forming on Victor’s lips not reaching his eyes.

Pain pricked Juliana’s heart like a sharp needle.

Drake and Victor exchanged a glance, then Drake said, “I have accepted Mr. Pratt’s offer for your hand, Juliana. However, given the circumstances, he and I both agree the choice should ultimately be yours.”

“Please sit, Miss Merrick.” Victor motioned to the chair he had vacated.

Drake guided Mother to the chair behind his desk, then stood to the side, melting into the shadows. An ominous portent shrouded the room and its occupants, and the pain in Juliana’s chest spread like a disease.

Nothing at all like an eager and hopeful bridegroom, Victor stood before her, his face grim.

“It grieves me that these heinous reports have placed you in this untenable situation, Miss Merrick. Our courtship has barely begun, and now our hands are forced. I will work diligently to prove these allegations false, but in the meantime, an engagement between us will help quell the wagging tongues. If I fail in righting these wrongs prior to our wedding, you can cry off, painting me as the worst of blackguards and save yourself.”

Juliana blinked. “But you’re not a blackguard. You’ve been nothing but gentlemanly and kind.”

Victor grimaced, the reaction so brief Juliana could have imagined it. “Sadly, a man can bear the brunt of negative gossip much more easily than a woman, especially a man with a title. You are the more vulnerable of the two of us.”

Drake’s voice drifted from the corner. “Victor is willing to throw himself on his sword for you, brat.”

“Do you want me to cry off?” Juliana hated the tremble in her lips and willed herself not to cry.

“I want what you want. If you wish to proceed with the marriage, I will do my utmost to make you a good husband. What I don’t want is to force your hand any more than this culprit has done.”

Juliana hardly recognized the man before her. She’d come to know Victor as a passionate man with deep emotions. His proposal reminded her of one of Drake’s business agreements. Factual. Emotionless. Cold.

Not at all like the proposal she had dreamed about, with love and emotion shining in Victor’s eyes. His heartfelt declaration of adoration vowing to love her for all eternity.

She should say no and save him from sacrificing himself for her. It was the right thing to do—what a loving person should do.

“Juliana?” her mother whispered.

Juliana wasn’t certain if the option of crying off led to her decision, or if her own selfishness in pretending to be Victor’s fiancée propelled her forward.

But she met Victor’s eyes and answered, “Yes. I accept your proposal.”

His lips curved slightly upward, the sparkle reaching his eyes. “Good. Might I suggest we begin by making a public appearance as a couple? Perhaps Gunter’s for an ice, or a stroll in the park?”

Juliana imagined more than a flavored ice would chill her should she show herself on Victor’s arm so soon after the tabloid’s report.

Judgmental stares and whispers behind gloved hands awaited, and she needed to build her courage.

Victor was braver than she. Thank goodness she had an excuse.

“Perhaps later this afternoon? Honoria is calling an emergency meeting of the League.”

Victor’s brow furrowed, his gaze bouncing between Juliana and her mother. “The League? You’re speaking of the charitable organization? My sister has mentioned it in passing. But I don’t understand how it pertains to what happens or why Miss Merrick needs to?—”

Drake stepped forward. “He should know, especially considering the possibility he will be family soon.”

At the word family, Juliana winced, hating herself that, somehow, she had placed Victor in such an undesirable position.

Mother took the lead. “The London Ladies’ League operates under the guise of a charitable organization, yes.

But our true purpose is to unmask the person responsible for the scandal sheet that has defamed so many good people.

Considering this latest news affects my daughter, she should be in attendance. ”

Victor’s mouth dropped open, and Juliana found even that adorable about him. “Why, that’s . . . that’s . . . marvelous! May I join?”

The first genuine smile broke across Juliana’s lips. “Victor, it’s the Ladies’ League.”

Pink formed on the tips of Victor’s ears, and the sweet smile he gave her warmed her heart. “Oh. Of course. Ladies only. Then, with your permission, I shall take my leave and call on you later this afternoon.”

Juliana rose to escort him out. Once they were alone in the hallway and out of earshot of her family, she whispered, “Did you tell my brother that our courtship was a fraud?”

Victor shook his head. “But I think he suspects something is amiss.”

“I’m so sorry to have put you in this position.”

Victor stopped, turning toward her. “You have done nothing wrong. It’s my carelessness that may have precipitated this debacle.”

She winced. That he would call their betrothal a debacle stung, yet she understood he meant no disrespect. However, she found his remark curious. “Carelessness?”

“Yes, there are some sketches. Not of you,” he hastened to add. “Our engagement will give me time to investigate and hopefully gather the evidence necessary to prove the allegations false.”

Juliana had so many questions, but they would have to wait for a better time.

Frampton waited at the front door, Victor’s hat and gloves at the ready.

“I shall call on you again this afternoon. Until then, Miss Merrick.”

To her surprise and joy, Victor took her hand in his, bent low, and kissed it.

When Victor had touched her face with his bare fingers several days ago, waves of pleasure had rippled through her body. But that innocent contact to adjust her pose couldn’t compare to the deliberate brush of Victor’s lips against her skin.

What would happen if he kissed her lips? She’d no doubt swoon and fall against him in a puddle.

And as Victor took his gloves and hat from Frampton and left, Juliana hoped she would soon find out.

Their courtship might be a pretense to Victor, and he no doubt expected her to cry off if they couldn’t disprove the horrible rumors, but that didn’t mean Juliana wouldn’t enjoy every moment of Victor’s attention.

Even if her heart eventually paid the price.