Page 100 of From Duke Till Dawn
“Oh, Alex.” She forced herself to turn away and stare at the porthole and the dark river beyond. “It’s impossible for me to be your mistress.”
Gently, he turned her around to face him. “I don’t want you for my mistress. I want you for my wife. If you’ll have me,” he added.
Her pulse was thunder in her ears, and she couldn’t catch enough breath. “I’m a nobody.”
“Not to me,” he answered, his eyes glittering with intent. “You’re the woman I love. Courageous. Strong. Wickedly intelligent.” He touched his fingertips to the underside of her chin, holding her reverently. “I want all of you. And I want to give you all of me.”
Eyes hot, dizzy with wary joy, she gulped. “I love you, Alex.”
“This morning, you said, ‘I love you, Your Grace.’”
Her eyes went wide. “You were awake. And you didn’t stop me.”
“I was afraid. And I thought we were an impossible match.” He shook his head. “But my fear is gone, andimpossiblemeans nothing to people like us.”
She gave a watery, tentative smile, then it faded. “My father died in the Marshalsea. I picked pockets and swindled people. How can I be your duchess?”
“Because youaremy duchess,” he answered confidently. “I have a plan for us. You’ll see.”
She had to believe in his confidence. He was the Duke of Greyland. The world shaped itself to his demands.
“I bring you nothing,” she felt obliged to say.
“You bring me yourself,” he said, lowering his lips to hers. “The greatest gift any bridegroom ever received.”
The clock in the parlor ticked a full minute before either Ellingsworth or Langdon spoke. Both of them looked from Cassandra, perched on the edge of the settee, to Alex, standing behind her, his hand upon her shoulder. The two men wore looks of equal disbelief.
But not disgust. That was what she feared most.
“This woman,” Ellingsworth said, waving his hand at her, “as polished as a gem, the very picture of gentility... she’s a... a...”
“A swindler,” Cassandra filled in for him. “And onetime pickpocket.”
Langdon, standing by the fireplace, crossed his arms over his chest. “I don’t believe it. You’re having us on.”
“Has there ever been a time when I’vehad you on?” Alex wondered archly.
“Well... no...” Ellingsworth admitted. “But this could be a facet of your personality we’ve never seen before.”
“I think I know how to convince you,” Cassandra declared. “Lord Ellingsworth, would you oblige me by walking from the doorway to the sofa?”
With a puzzled look on his face, the blond man left his position by the window and began to stroll from one side of the parlor to the other, as she’d directed. Cassandra rose from the settee and strolled past him. As they came abreast of each other, she stumbled. Immediately, his hands went to her shoulders to steady her.
“Are you all right?” he asked, sending a worried glance in Alex’s direction. Alex glared back, clearly unhappy that his friend was touching his intended.
“Perfectly well, thank you.” Cassandra straightened and glided past him, until she stood in the doorway. Turning, she faced the three men, who all stared at her, mystified.
“What did that prove, other than Ellingsworth was damned eager to put his paws on you?” Langdon wondered.
Cassandra held up a shiny gold pocket watch, beautifully engraved.
Ellingsworth’s hands immediately went to his waistcoat pockets. He appeared stunned. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face. “Nicked it, you clever gel.”
Langdon approached, also beaming. He gazed at Alex with wondrous appreciation.
“Old man,” he said, shaking his head, “you grow more fascinating by the day.”
“This is why we need your help.” Alex crossed the room to pour four drinks. He handed one to Cassandra, then to his friends, before finally taking a glass for himself. “We’ll need both of you to get the word out about Cassandra. Tell everyone the story we proposed.”
