A Rational Proposal (Furze House Irregulars Book 1)(62)
Charles, however, did not seem to be thinking of her at all. He wrote a swift note for his friend, gave it to a footman to deliver, then picked up the memorandum and frowned over it.
“What is it?” She asked in a low voice. “Is it what he writes of ‘F’?” She patted the cushion for Charles to sit next to her.
“Yes.” He looked troubled. “This shows Eastwick was in some way bound to him, not just seven years ago, but also now. I have not forgotten your observation about how he knew of the heiresses. Suppose the information was given to him as one of these ‘secrets’ as he calls them? Such a man has a broad reach. If he is the same one I am thinking of, we have run across mention of him before. He exists in the shadows and as quickly vanishes when we look for him. I hope I did not alarm your sister too much but it is essential she travels tonight and stops for nothing on the way.”
Verity shivered. “I believe she understands the danger, Charles. What of you? Won’t you be a target also?”
“I do not think so. If he had spies inside that God-forsaken hell, they will tell him all Eastwick and I did was to play cards.”
“And me?” asked Verity.
“You,” said Charles, “are not leaving my side. I have no right to ask you, and I do not know how we will manage, but I cannot live without you and I am done with being noble about leaving the field clear for some better man to rescue you from disasters and look after you.” He took her hands. “I want you to know that this is not in any way a rational proposal, Verity. It is not because with our combined incomes we can run a house. It is not because half the militia in London and all of the hackney carriage drivers believe us to be already married and it would be more than I am capable of to enlighten them. It is not even because my senior partner sees nothing untoward in marrying a lady of quality, so there is no reason for me to hold back either.”
A great surge of hope filled Verity. “No?”
“No. It is because I love you to distraction. I do not believe I will ever get another stroke of work done if you do not agree to plague my life on a daily basis and keep me in suspense about whatever madcap scheme you have embroiled us in this time. It is because I cannot let you go. Will you be my wife, Verity?”
Verity’s whole being exploded with joy. “Dearest Charles, of course I will. It is just a little vexing that I will not now be able to use any of the plans I had to compromise us so you had to offer for me, but it will be such an excellent adventure that I shall put the disappointment aside. How soon may we be married, please?”
“With as much dispatch as I can arrange. Meanwhile I will sleep here, I think. I daresay my father’s house is perfectly impregnable, but I shall not sleep unless I know you are safe.”
“And you must tell all to Lord Fitzgilbert, I apprehend. Should we put it about that I am injured, so he accompanies Lilith to visit me on my sickbed?”
“You are injured. You should see a doctor.”
“Sit down. I will allow you to send for a doctor. I will not allow you to let go of my hand. What did Mama mean when she said she and my real father anticipated the marriage?”
Charles smiled in a way that turned her bones to water. “I believe I mentioned that you were not leaving my side, did I not? Later tonight I will come along to your room and show you.”
“And will you finally kiss me properly?”
Charles put an arm around her shoulders and brought her lips to meet his. “Properly, improperly, and all the stages in between.”