One corner of her mouth twitched. “I see. I can accept those terms. What else?”
“Although I am financially secure, you should know that I will unfortunately be five hundred pounds poorer than I’d planned since I won’t be able to deliver Charles Brightmore to Lord Markingham and his friends.”
“As I am deeply grateful for that, I can hardly quibble about the money.”
“Excellent. In order to keep Markingham or anyone else from instigating another search, I’ll offer them irrefutable proof that Brightmore has escaped the country for some far-off land with no intention of returning.”
“How will you come by such proof?”
“I’m a very clever fellow.”
“You’ll get no argument from me.”
He smiled. “This morning gets better and better.”
“Is there anything else I need to understand?”
“Yes. You still owe me a boon, and I shall demand payment.” His eyes darkened and he pulled her closer. “In full.”
A delighted shiver faced down her spine. “A truly heinous demand, but I shall concede. Anything else?”
“One more thing. I believe I’d like to follow in your literary footsteps and try my hand at penning a book. I’ve come up with the perfect title: A Gentleman’s Guide to Masculine Survival and Understanding Women.”
She stared at him, nonplussed. “You’re jesting.”
“I’m not. After our courtship, I consider myself something of an expert.”
But perhaps the idea wasn’t totally insane… “We’ll discuss it,” she said.
“Fair enough. And you might want to consider writing a sequel to the Guide. I’d be more than delighted to assist you with any research requirements. Now, about your proposal-the answer is a resounding yes. It would be my honor to marry you.”
Catherine released a breath she hadn’t realized she held. Slipping her hand into the pocket of her gown, she withdrew the emerald ring. “Will you put this on me?” she asked.
“With pleasure.” Tucking his flowers under his arm, he slipped the ring on her finger. “Do you like it? Because if you don’t, I’ll get you a different-”
“It’s perfect,” she assured him, moving her hand back and forth so the facets caught the light. “It is my most prized possession.”
He captured her hand and brought it to his mouth, pressing a warm kiss in her palm. A slow, devastating grin curved his lips. “I’ve never received flowers before. Or a marriage proposal.”
Warmth and happiness suffused her, and she returned his smile. “Yes, well you know how I like to be first.”
“My darling, Catherine,” he said, his eyes filled with love and passion. “You always have been.”
Jacquie D’Alessandro
Growing up on Long Island, New York, I fell in love with romance at an early age. I dreamed of being swept away by a dashing rogue riding a spirited stallion. When my hero finally showed up, he was dressed in jeans and drove a Volkswagen, but I recognized him anyway. We married after both graduating from Hofstra University and are now living our happily-ever-afters in Atlanta, Georgia, along with our very bright and active son, who is a dashing rogue in the making.
I love to hear from readers! You can contact me through my website at
