Page 188 of Dukes Are Forever
"Alexandra's uncertain. She's taken up residence at Windsor Castle for the moment and seems in no hurry to return to the city."
"I wonder why?" Adele mused.
He had to hand it to her. He'd been watching the queen's face when he made his report, and the glance she'd bestowed upon Sir Gideon Scott… had been unexpectedly warm. "It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact I placed Sir Gideon in charge of her loyal Coldrush Guards and insisted he watch over her until the city was safe."
"You're trying to play matchmaker," Adele accused, "and steal my idea."
Malloryn lifted her knuckles to his lips. "I never look a gift horse in the mouth, my dear. You ought to know I cannot resist meddling. Though I shall grant you half the credit for it."
"Half?"
Malloryn rolled his eyes. "Three quarters of the credit."
"That's better. And what doyouintend, now your ancient foe is vanquished?" she asked, sliding her arm through the crook of his elbow as he led her along the Thames embankment. "I've noticed you haven't been attending to 'business' quite as often as you did."
"Even a duke needs a holiday."
"Does he?"
"And he has plans."
"What sort of plans?"
Malloryn shook his head. "Always trying to ruin the surprise."
Adele shot him a startled look. Then her eyes narrowed. "You are up to something. I wondered, when you insisted upon leaving before the crack of dawn."
"I am always plotting something," he purred.
"Will I like this surprise?"
Fine. Here ought to do.
He paused and clasped both of her hands in his. "Perhaps. I thought—for so many years—that only vengeance could save me. I thought it was the only thing worth living for. And then you ran into my life—right into my arms as a matter of fact—and turned everything on its head.
"Love ruined me once, and I've never wished its acquaintance again. But it seems even the Duke of Malloryn is not entirely immune." He took a deep breath. "You saved my life, Adele. You have plagued me and vexed me and engaged in marital warfare with me... but you brought me back to life. You made this"—he pressed a hand to his chest—"start beating again, even when I wished it was not. Even when I wished you to the devil because I could not take my eyes from you.
"I love you. I love your devious mind. I love the way you challenge me and the way you refuse to back down when anyone you love is in danger. I love the way you tease me and remind me of what it's like to be Auvry again. We make an exceedingly good pair."
"That was almost the nicest thing you've ever said to me," she whispered.
"I'm not finished yet."
"Oh?"
"I have a proposition for you," he said, reaching inside his coat, his hand closing over the small leather box there.
Adele tried to pretend her eyes weren't gleaming with unshed tears. "A proposition? Does it involve something ridiculous, like an intention to seduce one's wife? Or an act of war?"
"No. Gemma wanted to unleash doves, but I told her to stop being ridiculous."
"Doves?" He could see the sudden confusion in her eyes.
"And Kincaid threatened to dump a barrel of flowers over the top of you."
Confusion turned to outright suspicion. "What on earth are you talking about?"
Malloryn went to one knee, clasping her left hand. He eased the wedding ring he'd once placed there off her finger. "Adele Cavill, our marriage started under dubious circumstances, and I once told you I resented it. I lied. It's the best thing that ever happened to me, but I want there to be no more doubt left in your mind." He presented the small box with a flourish. "Will you do me the honor of renewing our vows?"
