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Page 18 of Tantalizing the Duke

“You’d be allowed to have a lover, of course,” Parham added, his tone nearly casual. “Though again, discretion would be essential.”

Milly laughed, a bright sound in the somber implications of the proposal. Her thoughts whirled, her heart thudding with the wildness of the notion. Yet, beneath the shock, she found herself surprisingly thoughtful. “I must confess, you’ve given me much to consider.”

Parham’s eyes lit with renewed hope, and he smiled with the charm of a man unburdened by deception. “I dared to think it might appeal to you.”

She regarded him, still processing the enormity and peculiarity of his offer. It was outrageous, scandalous, and yet… perhaps perfect.

“And what if,” she asked, her voice tinged with the thrill of contemplating the impossible, “I said yes?”

“Then I would count myself the luckiest man alive. Even if I must share you with another,” Parham replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Her laughter mingled with his, and for the first time, the proposal seemed not only possible but oddly fitting. As their mirth subsided, the room settled into a contemplative quiet, both of them lost in thoughts of an unconventional future.

Milly picked up her teacup, watching Lord Parham as if he were a puzzle she might yet solve.

He returned her gaze with an amused patience. “You’re everything I hoped you would be. I wish I could promise to love you as a husband should, but I can at least promise I’ll never set you aside for another woman.”

Milly laughed. Their eyes met in a shared moment of understanding, rich with the irony of his truthfulness.

“I can scarcely believe it. It’s all so… astonishing.” What appeared to be the perfect answer to her problem was something she’d never imagined as a possibility.

Parham leaned back, observing her with an expression she couldn’t decipher. “May I elaborate on a few more of the practical aspects, then? If I’ve managed not to scare you off entirely?”

She nodded, curiosity battling with caution. The prospect of an entirely unconventional life had seemed distant mere moments ago, yet now hovered within reach.

“You’ll be required to take part in marital relations with me as needed to produce an heir. You’ll be concerned about our children’s position in society, I expect. Your birth, as well as the rather scandalous notion of their parents’ living arrangements, might lead to some gossip.”

Milly arched an eyebrow, her skepticism well-masked by an expression of polite interest. “I consider that as guaranteed.”

“It wouldn’t be the ton if they didn’t talk,” Parham admitted, running a hand through his hair in a gesture that revealed both confidence and vulnerability. “But with time, if we present the right appearance, the talk will fade long before our children reach marriageable age.”

She studied him closely, weighing the conviction in his words against the risks she knew all too well. “You sound so certain.”

“Unusual, I know. I’ve had time to think it through. As you might have gathered, I’ve considered my situation for some time.”

The revelation caught her off guard, and she couldn’t quite hide the pleased surprise that flitted across her features. “I’m a bit surprised you trusted me with your scheme.”

Parham’s expression softened, his sincerity evident. “I see a strength in you, in the way you live your life, despite how society treats you. Most ladies would faint at the mere suggestion of marrying a man such as myself.”

“Most ladies haven’t survived the kind of talk I’ve had to endure,” Milly replied, her tone light but edged with the strength of truth.

He nodded. “Precisely. Your fortitude is as essential as your discretion.”

She took a moment to absorb this, considering the unorthodox life he was offering and the particular freedoms it might grant her. It was a gamble, certainly, but one that promised a rare sort of independence. “Your candor is something of a marvel.”

“I had a sense it would appeal,” Parham replied, joining in her laughter with a sound as genuine as it was rare. The levity of the moment broke over them, smoothing the complexities of their conversation into something simple and almost joyful.

Her gaze turned suddenly keen, and she leaned forward, her eyes glinting with mischief and resolve. “And would dear Peter be understanding of a swift marriage?”

Parham nearly spilled his tea, surprised by the sudden shift. “I did not expect that you would consider it so soon.”

“It seems to me, Lord Parham, that we both have reasons for wanting it settled quickly.”

“You are remarkable,” he said, an admiring gleam in his eye. “I hoped, of course, that you would accept, but I thought you might take longer to consider.”

“My situation requires some alacrity. And I have already given the matter quite a lot of thought, my lord.”

Parham shook his head in wonder, charmed by her unexpected enthusiasm. “And here I believed you would need more persuading.”

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