Page 90 of A Duke Changes Everything
She was a creature of the countryside, of racing across meadows on horseback and managing an estate where she cared more about others’ needs than her own.
She’d be a bird in a cage at Lyon’s. He could provide her luxurious surroundings, but not the open air and endless stretch of land she’d been born to. Everything that mattered to her was at Enderley, and the very thought of the place brought back memories he still wanted to forget.
“Nick?”
He hated the worried frown on her face, the pinch between her brows, the uncertain way she pursed her mouth. She deserved to have happiness and the home that she desired.
That, he could do. He might not be a good man, but he was a duke. Duke of the only place in England she loved.
An idea took hold in his mind. A means of securing her happiness while giving him more than he could ever deserve.
He took her hands in his, stroked his thumbs over her knuckles, noted the ink smudges on her fingers, the indentation from where she held her pen.
“Marry me, Mina.” His voice quaked, and he was fairly certain the ground was cracking beneath his feet, judging by how steady his legs felt.
“You’re asking me.” She was blinking, not truly looking at him, or anything. Just blinking as if he’d shocked her. “You’re truly saying the words.”
“Shall I try again?”
She nibbled her lower lip and lines of hesitation pinched her brow. “You’ve been forced into this, haven’t you?”
“No one forces me into anything.” He notched his chin up.
She retreated, slipping her hands from his body and stepping away. Nick reached for her. “Where are you going?”
“I can’t think.”
“Then don’t think. Just say yes.”
“I’m confused, Nick. This feels wrong.”
He let go of her hand and she took another step away. That’s when he knew. He couldn’t let her go. Even a few inches between them felt too far.
“I’ll give you everything you want.” Nick had heard of men dying because their hearts seized while they were engaged in the most mundane tasks. Proposing wasn’t mundane for him, but judging by the wrenching pain behind his ribs, he was no longer certain he’d live to hear her answer.
“Do you know what I truly want?” There was such hopefulness in her honeyed brown eyes.
“Yes.” This part was easy. Of Mina’s desires, he had no doubts. “Marry me and Enderley is yours. Live there. Improve it. Refurbish the estate from head to toe. Whatever funds you need, you’ll have them.”
She reared back, a look of wonder softening her features. But then the frown came back, more fiercely than before.
“You can hire more staff. Select the best artists to paint fresh murals in the ballroom. Fill the stables, if you like. Order a new carriage.” That part he would insist on himself.
Her mouth slackened. Her hands hung motionless at her sides.
Nick didn’t know what else to offer. Fine clothes? Jewels? Baubles didn’t seem Mina’s style.
“Redecorate the library. Purchase whatever books you please. Add new shelves full of them, if you like.”
Nick stopped talking because he wanted with all of his soul to hear her speak. Three letters. One little word. A single breath. He’d never wanted to hearyesmore in his life.
She bowed her head.
Nick’s body buzzed with nervous anticipation. He had no doubt she was composing some polite reply, but he dreaded that it would not be the answer he needed to hear.
When she looked up, her eyes were glistening. “And you?”
“Me?”
