Page 9 of The Wise Daughter

“I am in earnest, Miss Lacy. I detest London society and can’t stand the mere thought of searching for a bride amidst meddling gossips.

I’m in mourning. I wish to have my future settled.

Please understand, I do not make this decision lightly.

I would not choose just anyone. I’m an honorable man, and I find in you a woman who conducts herself with kindness and grace, even in uncomfortable circumstances. ”

Uncomfortable wasn’t a strong enough word to describe what she felt. If it weren’t for the fire, she was sure her teeth would be chattering, and if it weren’t for her pride, she might have already escaped his company.

The duke continued, undeterred. “I desire a woman who is lovely, as you are, and who possesses wit and generosity, which you have thoroughly demonstrated tonight. I would treat you well, and I would try to make you happy. Would you please do me the honor of being my bride?”

“Your Grace…” Nora’s mouth went dry. So he was considering her happiness. None of the marriage proposals she had received in the past had ever contained such promises.

“Aaron,” he said. “If we are to be married, you must call me Aaron.”

Her heart gave her insides a shake. Could she believe him? Could she trust him? To claim she had felt nothing for this stranger she had met on the riverbank would be a lie, but duke or no, he was still a stranger.

And she was about to become a beggar unless she did accept him. Romance was indisputably absent from the moment, but his proposal was refreshingly simple. If only she had more time to learn of his character.

“You still hesitate, Miss Lacy.”

“I…”

“What if I clarify the terms of my proposal? I recommend we become immediately engaged, and you allow me to announce it to the people. During our engagement, I shall court you properly, and we shall become better acquainted with one another.”

“Don’t you think that plan is just a bit out of order? What if you decide you don’t like me? You would live your entire life regretting this moment and despising me.”

He gave her a smoldering grin. “That is a risk I am willing to take.”

Nora took a step back. “And if I am not prepared to take the risk, Your Grace?”

“Then allow me to mitigate it. If at the end of one month, you do not wish to marry me, I shall grant you and your father a living among my holdings, and…” He seemed to be considering what else he could say to entice her.

“I’ll even provide you with a dowry of, shall we say five thousand pounds, should you wish to marry in the future. ”

Nora caught her stomach. “So much?” A new home? A new dowry? A chance to start over? “Do I have your word on that, Your Grace?”

He lowered his head and placed a hand over his heart. “My absolute word.”

“Are you quite certain this is what you desire? I never expected...” Each breath grew more shallow.

“I hope this will mark the beginning of many things I can offer you.”

Dreams of romance melted away. Ridiculous wishes were entirely forgotten. It was time to be practical. A handsome duke was offering her everything she needed and more. She no longer saw any rational reason why she should refuse him.

And perhaps… perhaps he may surprise me.

He limped toward her, unable to completely hide a grimace, and Nora again saw him as the man injured on the riverbank. She didn’t need to know him well to despise the thought that thieves had hurt him and could hurt him further if they were not caught.

Perhaps it was because she had already invested her time and strength into helping him avoid a terrible fate that night, but a determination cinched inside her.

If he was willing to grant her and her father another chance, she could go to great lengths to help him.

If she put her skills and intellect to the test and helped him uncover the thieves, he would be so grateful, he would not begrudge her ultimate refusal.

It was the one thing she could give him regardless of whether she could go through with the marriage.

“I’d like to add my own condition, Your Grace.”

“Oh? What is it?”

“That you allow me to help unravel your troubles with these thieves. Since you are willing to be so generous, I want to offer something in return. I promise to do whatever I can to discover who the criminals are.”

His handsome features lowered into a frown. “I don’t want you worrying yourself with my troubles.”

“But I insist. Running a household in West Riding while suffering through my father’s gambling gave me much more experience putting my mind to work on this sort of matter than you might think. Thieves come in many forms.”

He seemed to consider her words, then paced a few steps and stared at the fire. “Your offer shows what a truly generous heart you have. For me, that’s enough. Could we not leave it at that? I cannot ask you to put yourself in danger.”

“You’re not asking. I’m insisting. Please.” Nora had to be firm about this. If she could not offer something in return, she could not enter into such a slanted agreement.

He let out one long breath. “Very well, but only if you promise to exercise caution. So long as you are careful, we’ll find the thieves together.”

“Then I accept your proposal.” The words were dry in her throat and drier on her lips, but they were spoken nonetheless.

She clasped her hands together and held very still as he studied her. His green eyes reminded her of vibrant moss and budding leaves.

“May I call you Honora?”

“Nora,” she breathed out, already sinking another step deeper into the engagement than she wanted to be.

“Nora.” The smile she had been waiting for appeared, sending heat into her face that must have rivaled the smoldering embers. “Thank you, Nora. I believe we may now consider ourselves engaged.”

He stepped close and brushed back a loose strand of her hair. Her breath caught in her throat. He wouldn’t attempt a kiss, would he? Never mind their engagement. They were strangers! She hadn’t thought he would take such liberties with her so early in their fragile acquaintance.

But as he moved close enough for her to see flickers of fire dancing in those green eyes, she asked herself, Do I want to object?

Of course, I do! I should absolutely object! As soon as he moves closer, I’ll move back.

But he wasn’t moving any closer. He only looked at her, gently fingering another strand of pale hair.

Her breath finally loosened, and she caught the pleasant scent of burning wood and something warm like spiced oranges, reminding her of evenings eating sweets and roasting nuts.

She wrung her fingers together to keep herself from leaning in for a deeper breath.

She needed an escape, a distraction, anything to interrupt the knots tightening in her chest. Her fingers wrapped around cold metal.

“Here!” She held up the ring she had forgotten about and spoke quickly. “I found this after you rode off with Locket. I believe it is yours.”

He took the ring and examined it, his brows drawing together.

“Why, this is my signet ring, D for Derricott.” He clenched the ring in a fist and looked off to the side as if he could see the men who had beaten him running away.

“Again, you’ve saved me from trouble, Nora.

Imagine what kind of mischief the thieves could have caused with the power to counterfeit my seal.

I’m glad you found it.” He looked the ring over, then took her hand.

“I would like this to be my first gift to you.”

“To me? Won’t you need it?”

“I have another locked away for official use. I think I’ll find comfort knowing this one is in your keeping.”

She trembled as he took her hand and warmed it between the two of his.

He tested the ring on each of her fingers, taking his time, letting his fingers slip over hers.

It should have been obvious after the first try that the ring wouldn’t fit any of her slender fingers, but he slowly continued the exercise, patiently, gently as her breath grew shallow again.

The ring was supposed to be a distraction, not an excuse to remain close. Nora started to pull away when the housekeeper, Mrs. Manning stepped in, informing them that rooms were ready for Miss Lacy and her father along with baths and meals. Nora liked Mrs. Manning right away.

“Before you leave, Nora,” the duke said, “there is one more thing I want to make perfectly clear.” He finally slid the ring onto her thumb and kissed her knuckles. “I won’t be accused of not being romantic.”