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“That is good advice, but what if I end up falling in love with him?”

“Aw, poppet, I would be pleased, for that would mean you wouldn’t be alone.”

“No.” She shook her head. How to explain? “I mean, to his own admission, Alexander has said he doesn’t have much coin to set up housekeeping, and—”

“Then you can enjoy a long engagement. If he is as strong and dedicated as you say, I’ll wager he’ll be quick in figuring things out, especially if he knows a life with you is in the offing.

” When she didn’t say anything but stared at him, her father sighed.

“We can’t always be guaranteed of anything, but that doesn’t mean we should shy away from the things that make life worth living merely because we don’t know how any of it will be accomplished. ”

“Is that what you felt with Mama?”

“Good heavens, yes. An English man from a good family falling in love with a Scottish healer whose parents were laborers? Yes, there were always doubts, but in the end, love won. Love always wins over every doubt, every fear, every rift or excuse our minds can find to keep it from that.” He patted her hand.

“When you don’t know which way to go, always follow love. It will never steer you wrong.”

“But I—”

“Here is the truth. If thinking about this man has you all tied up in knots and your mind in a quagmire of opposing thoughts, there is a good chance he just might be the man you’ve waited for all this time.”

“Well, he did defend me against Colin the other day when the oaf followed us into Hyde Park.” A tremulous smile curved her lips.

“And he really is a darling when he does anything…” As she met her father’s eyes, an unexpected giggle escaped her throat.

“So then, you believe I’m in a spot of bother too? ”

“Just slightly. If he’s willing to let you have cart blanche in in a possible blended future, you need to latch onto him and not let him go.

” He laughed, and when he stood, he brought her up with him.

“I would like to meet your young man, so invite him to dinner one of the nights I’ll be home.

That way, I can ask him a few questions and see for myself how the two of you interact with each other. ”

“But Papa I—”

“No excuses, poppet. If Lord Wexley is as lovely as you seem to think—when you’re not trying to talk yourself out of liking him—then there is no reason to fear the two of us meeting.” He winked.

“Oh, it’s all so very frightening. Perhaps I should just call everything off before it goes any deeper.” And it would save her from being disappointed. “I am only six and twenty. There is no need to pursue marriage at this time.”

“Hush, poppet. There is every reason, especially if love is involved. Don’t cheat yourself from one of the best things in life due to fear, for there will always be that before every change in life.”

Drat, but that made sense.

“Besides, he and I will need to build some sort of friendship, especially since I’ll be expecting him to call and ask me for your hand more sooner than later. Even if you do have the tendency to be a managing baggage. Does he know that about you?”

“Do stop, Papa.” She couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose I am a tad forthright when we are together.”

“Now that I can believe.”

“That is only because I can see so much potential in him.” She snorted. “He doesn’t seem to mind.”

“The good ones don’t. In fact, we’ll encourage it.”

“Is that what happened with you and Mama?”

“Oh, yes, and we rubbed along just fine. Mutual support is a wonderful thing, and quite a vital component to a successful union.” He grinned. “With her, I felt as if I could do or be anything, and was rather reckless each time she smiled.”

Even more did Lydia miss her mother. “But we are nowhere near that point yet.” Except heat fired in her cheeks, and the thought of being wed to Alexander had butterflies dancing through her insides.

What has happened to me?

“Well, poppet, I suppose we definitely need to go look at the space to let near that boxing salon, hmm? And it would make sense to be located closely to such an establishment in the event some of those practice bouts grow out of hand.” He winked, then bundled her into a hug that once more had her remembering how safe he’d made her feel when she was a girl.

“Speaking of boxing, I’ve been engaged to be the consulting physician for an illegal bout in a few days.

Would you have any interest in accompanying me? ”

“That depends. Are any of the Stapleton brothers on the schedule?” As far as she knew, Alexander wasn’t booked to fight in a bout.

“Not that I’m aware of, but fighters change on the schedule all the time for many reasons.” He pulled back with a laugh. “You might find a man you fancy more than the handsome viscount.”

“Papa, stop!” With a chuckle of her own, Lydia shook her head.

“One man in my life is quite enough, thank you.” She then glanced at the clock on his desk.

“Goodness, but I’m going to be late. I’m due at the salon soon.

Both the earl and the younger Stapleton are due out this afternoon, and Alexander has promised that we’d have the salon all to ourselves.

” Another round of heat went into her cheeks as one of her father’s eyebrows rose in question.

“Not for that sort of activity, but for a boxing lesson that includes sparring. However, I plan to teach him a few moves in jujitsu, and I can’t wait to see his surprise when I knock him onto his back. ”

Additionally, it would set his mind at ease that she could defend herself against another attack from Colin should one arise. And if he were already lying on a tick mattress, it would be all the easier to convince him to indulge in other… activities.

“Please promise you will be careful. Society’s gossips are vicious.

If they get wind of you stepping foot into a boxing salon, Alexander’s fighting in a bout again will be the least of your worries.

” He blew out a breath. “Obviously, I’m not happy you’re going there, but I also know I can’t stop you. ”

“I’ll be mindful.” She put a palm to his cheek then bussed his other one. “Will I see you and Ian for dinner?”

“Actually, yes. It’s a rare evening when we will all be home.”

“Good.” She grinned. “Perhaps I can convince Lord Wexley to join us.” Then, with a wave, she left his study.

Good heavens, was she truly ready to introduce Alexander to her family?

Only time would tell, but it was the next logical step.

If her father and brother didn’t get along with him, then she would know he wasn’t the one for her.

Wouldn’t she?