A Marquess To Love And Despise
Page 3
“It was beastly. He has not always been like that. I am afraid my father lost himself since Phyllis’ ruination.”
“Yes, that… What made you change your mind about me? It did not seem like you were going to.”
“You never gave me a reason to doubt you before. Everything just got so muddled after your brother broke off the engagement. If it could happen to my dear sister, I did not know what to think anymore. But in the end, I realized that you were not there for foolish gestures, like whisking me off to Gretna Green. You were not there for pride, and had no interest in dueling my father. You had only come to attempt to do things the proper way, despite any danger involved. To proclaim your love for me, and heal our troubled families. To ask that we be married. Even with a pistol at your chest, you did not back away from that.”
“Back away from you? I could never.”
“I know it now. A man has to be honest at the end of his life, doesn’t he? The most honest he has ever been. And your love did not waver.”
“You are worth dying for, Miss Nicholson. Though I hope I will not be required to prove that again.”
“And you are worth being shot for, Lord Ayle. I hope not to repeat such an incident either.”
“You will never have to. I will protect you.”
She smiled. “For how long?”
“Until the sun no longer shines. Unless, of course, you refuse my marriage proposal today.”
“There are conditions to your protection?”
“We are well past conditions, after all I went through. Marry me or I will be dueling you, instead.”
“Very well. I shall choose the weapon.”
“Pistols or swords this time around?”
Joanna held him at the waist, looking up as she spoke. “Your lips, Lord Ayle. The most dangerous weapon of all, with words that may inspire people to love or despise you.”
“They are but different sides of passion.”
“Then be passionate now. I will marry you.”
“I did not realize it before, but you and I have always had our own secret place where our love will never be extinguished. It is in our hearts.”
He held Joanna close to him and kissed her desperately. She was timid for a moment before fully giving in to it. They were together. At last, their long struggle was done.
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More Regency Romance By Rebecca Dash
The Wrong Earl For Christmas
Baron Colburn And The Cursed Estate
The Earl, The Pirate, & The Lady
The Earl Of Scandal
The Runaway Duke
Almost A Duke, Almost My Love
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