Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season #1)(86)

“Amelia told you what?”

“That’s another story, but yes, Amelia and I have had words. It doesn’t matter. Well, in a way it does. I knew your reputation, Daniel. Everything you said to me—I wanted desperately to believe it all, but knowing what I did of your past… Well, frankly, I figured you were just really good with lines.”

“I meant everything I said to you.”

“I know, and I’m sorry I reacted so harshly to the idea of marrying you and having your child. I was angry that you hadn’t come to me first, and I was angry at myself for finding out I wasn’t who I always thought I was, if that makes any sense. I feared I was to be one of many, and that you wanted me only for my bloodline and the heir I might be carrying.”

“I’m so sorry I made you feel that way. I love you so much. I can’t imagine life without you.”

“I… I love you too, Daniel.” How wonderful to finally say the words! “Somehow I think I always have.”

Daniel sighed and looked straight into her eyes. “I never felt worthy of your love.”

“That’s not for you to say, is it?” she said with a half smile. “My love is mine alone to give, and I choose to give it to you. I think you’re very worthy.”

He brushed his lips over her hair. “You have my love, Lily. Now what is the other thing you want?”

Her heart lurched. Would he be able to give it to her? “I want your fidelity, Daniel. I want to be your only woman.”

He laughed softly. “You are. Do you really think I could ever go to another woman after what we’ve shared?”

His laughter irritated her. “There’s nothing funny about it. Given your past, I wasn’t sure.”

His lips brushed her temple, her brow, her nose. “I promise you. I’ll never touch another woman. I’ll never even want to.”

A tear fell from the corner of her eye. “Oh, Daniel, I never dared to hope.”

“It’s an easy wish for me to grant, Lily.”

“I knew Amelia was lying, the little tramp. She told me you had been in bed with her, and that you were going to ship me off to Scotland once you got me pregnant. Then she took my ring, said you told her she could have it…and then, she pushed me.” Lily wept quietly.

Daniel embraced her, wiping away her tears with his fingers. “Don’t cry. Amelia’s in custody now, and she will never harm you again, I promise. I never made love to her, and I never said any of those horrible things. Please tell me you believe me.”

Lily sniffed. “I believe you. I just wish she hadn’t taken my beautiful ring. I loved it.”

Daniel smiled into her eyes as he knelt down on the floor beside her. He took Lily’s left hand in his, drew a ring out of his pocket, and placed it on her fourth finger. “Lily Jameson, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Lily widened her tired eyes, joy coursing through her. “Daniel, where did you find it?”

“Rose saw it on Amelia’s finger when she was being taken away by the constables. She punched Amelia in the nose and made her give her the ring.”

“My sweet Rose?”

“Yes, your sweet Rose. Now you didn’t answer my question. Will you be my wife?”

“Yes, Daniel, yes!” With all her strength, she held her hand toward the window, admiring the facets of her gem sparkling in the morning sun. “This is so beautiful, and every time I look at it I see your marvelous eyes.”

“I promise I’ll make you happy, Lily.”

“You are wonderful. “I wish we could make love right now.”

Daniel groaned low in his throat. “God, you have no idea.”

“Maybe later we can. I’m feeling all right, I guess.”

“No, love. We can’t. You’re clearly exhausted and still quite weak. Besides, you have to heal. Blake says I can’t touch you for six weeks.”

“Six weeks?”

“It won’t be so bad,” Daniel said, smiling. “I’d wait six years for you if I had to.”

“If you can wait, I suppose I can.” Lily warmed all over. Then a yawn nearly cracked her parched face. “I’m growing tired, and I want to have a bath before I go to sleep again. I feel all greasy and slimy, and my hair is pasted to my head.”

“I’ll call for a maid to bathe you. Or would you rather have your mother?”

“Neither. I want you to bathe me.”

“I can’t. What would your father say?”

“I wasn’t planning to ask his opinion.” She smiled weakly. “Lock the door.”

“Lily…”

“You said you’d do anything for me.”

“God help me. All right.” Daniel rose and locked the door to his bedchamber. He strolled into the bath chamber and readied a bath. Then he fetched Lily from the bed, removed her nightgown, and carried her to the tub.

“You get in with me,” she urged.

“No, love. You’re too weak. Maybe in a few days.” He lathered her body and her hair with soap and gently cleansed her.

“That feels nice,” she said, closing her eyes.

“Let me know if anything hurts.”

“Everything’s fine. I love the feel of your hands on my body. It’s soothing.”