Page 128 of Three Weeks with a Princess
“That’s where your family comes in. Sir Dominic and Charles are quite insistent about investing in the mining scheme, and they’re confident they can bring in other investors. And believe it or not, Lindsey is feeling better about the way the harvest is shaping up for the fall.”
“That’s all good news, but is it enough?”
“It will be once I sell the mansion in Bedford Square.”
Lia almost fell off the bed. “Jack, no! You can’t do that.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”
“Because it’s part of your family legacy, that’s why. Besides, your mother will hate it—hate me. And she doesn’t need additional reasons to do so,” she added morosely.
He leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose. “I was pondering selling it even before I discovered I wanted to marry you. Honestly, love, I have no attachment to it, and it’s simply too big and too expensive to keep.”
“But where will your mother live? Where willyoulive when you come to London?”
“You mean, where willwelive? As to that, I was thinking of buying one of those new terrace houses going up in Belgravia. My mother will be merry as a grig in a stylish new town house, I assure you. As for us, we’ll be spending most of our time at Stonefell.”
“Jack, your mother will never agree to this.”
He took both her hands, cradling them in his warm grip. “I know she won’t be happy, but that is her choice, Lia. I cannot live my life for her. I must live it for myself.”
She gnawed her lip, wanting to believe they had a chance. “Are you sure?”
He nodded. “Beyond doubt.”
“Stonefell has never been your dream,” she said. “Can you be happy with such a quiet life?”
“Lia, dreams change. My dream now isyou. You are the kindest, sweetest person I’ve ever known. How could I not want to spend my life with you?”
She clutched his hand, blinking back tears. “Thank you, but I’m afraid others won’t see me in the same light.”
“Then I want no part of them. Now, my darling, all that’s left is for you to face down your own fears. Can you do that?”
She stared into his loving gaze and knew he was right. She’d been afraid for most of her life—afraid she would lose the small circle of people she loved and the one place she could call home. And yet she’d spent weeks trying to push all that away, pushhimaway, because she’d thought it was best for him. But that was a decision Jack needed to make for himself, and apparently he had.
“Well, it would appear you’ve figured everything out to everyone’s satisfaction, Lord Lendale,” she said, emotion making her voice gruff.
A slow, utterly masculine smile turned up the corners of his mouth. “I have, although I do wish to make one other point.”
“And that is?”
He clamped his hands around her waist and lifted her into his lap. She gasped at the feel of his erection pressing against her bottom.
“I also have an unquenchable lust for your delectable figure,” he said in a husky tone that made her shiver. “And if I don’t get you into my bed very soon, I will no doubt go stark-raving mad.”
“Dear me, that would be most unfortunate,” she said in a breathless voice.
He bent down until his mouth was a mere inch from hers. “I love you, Lia Kincaid,” he murmured. “With all my heart. We’re getting married and I’m not taking no for an answer.”
Lia’s throat had gone so tight that all she could do was nod. But for once, she was more than happy to give him the last word.
Epilogue
Stonefell Hall
Christmas 1816
“My lady, you should let me carry that tea tray,” the butler replied in a mildly disapproving tone as he hurried to intercept her. “It’s too heavy for you.”
