“Why?” she asked.
Lord Billington shook his head, running a hand through his hair.
“Because I knew that, if the woman who allegedly loved me didn’t want to be seen with a man who looks like a monster, a woman who barely knew me certainly wouldn’t,” he said. “And I could tell right away how sweet and kind and lovely you are, and it didn’t seem right to me to lock you into a marriage with a beast.”
Martha shuddered at the use of the same word that was used in the scandal sheets. To her surprise, the younger viscount did, too. She took a deep breath, having noticed the compliments he had given her.
“I must confess that I was reluctant about our arrangement, as well,” she admitted. “But I wonder, how do you feel about it now?”
The viscount was closing the distance between them, looking at her with pleading eyes.
“Like I do not deserve you at all,” he said. “And yet, I seem to have fallen madly in love with you.”
Martha gasped, her heart thumping. She realized she had expected him to come and ask if she would still go through with the arranged marriage, or to say that he was breaking it off to be with Lady Cordelia. What she hadn’t been expecting was to learn that he loved her.
But he wasn’t quite done. He dropped his head, shaking it slowly and avoiding her gaze.
“There will never be enough words for me to tell you how sorry I am for having not told you any of this sooner,” he said. “Or for being so resistant to the idea of marrying you, even after I saw what a wonderful lady you are. And I want you to know that I would not blame you at all if you wanted nothing more to do with me, ever again. But please, know that I am truly sorry, and that I love you with all my heart.”
Martha’s heart soared, and she had to steady herself to keep from swooning. She clasped her hands in front of her, her cheeks burning.
“Albert,” she said softly. “It is impossible to not have anything to do with the man I’ve fallen in love with. I believe that would create a great conflict in our courtship.”
She bit her lip to hide a smile, watching Albert process what she had said and his face slowly light up.
“Are you saying that you love me, too?” he asked.
Martha laughed and nodded.
“I am,” she said.
Albert closed the distance between them, drawing her close to him. Without a moment’s hesitation, he leaned down and put his lips to hers. Martha’s body tingled as they shared their first kiss. She was going to get her love-filled, happy marriage after all.
Epilogue
“Does this mean that all is well now?” the viscountess called from the doorway as Martha and Albert finished their first kiss.
Martha whirled around, blushing, only to see her mother looking at her with cautious optimism. Her father followed shortly behind, eyeing Albert suspiciously. Martha took his hand and smiled at her parents.
“All is very well,” she said, beaming up at Albert.
Albert cleared his throat, gently kissing the back of her hand before releasing it.
“Well, I hope that things can get better,” he said. He dropped to one knee and took her hand again. “Martha Elwood, would you please be my wife?”
Martha gasped, looking up at her father immediately.
“Aren’t you supposed to ask for a blessing first?” she asked.
Martha and Albert turned to face the elder viscount. His expression was softening, and did so until he was smiling from ear to ear, as well.
“You already had it, my dear,” he said. “And you still do.”
Martha’s mother gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. Martha herself felt tears of joy in her eyes as she looked down at the man she loved.
“Yes,” she said. “Yes, I will.”
Her mother and father applauded, congratulating the newly engaged couple. Martha was thrilled to see that her parents were happy for her and Albert. Her mother even embraced the viscount, congratulating the two of them, and her father was shaking his hand heartily. But when Martha met Lily’s eyes, she saw that the maid looked apprehensive and unhappy.
