“Kade, why don’t you go down and get some breakfast? I wish to speak to Miss Knight.”
Her hand flew up, as if to ward him off. “The maid will be here soon with tea and biscuits, sir. And surely you’ll want to change, given what . . . what . . .” She winced and clamped her lips shut.
Kade looked suspiciously at the two of them. “What’s going on, Nick?”
He thought about it for a moment, and then decided to tell the truth. “I’m here to propose to Miss Knight.”
Victoria made a choking noise.
Kade gaped at him. “Propose marriage?”
“Yes.”
“Huh,” his brother said. Then he smiled. “Good for you, Nick. Miss Knight’s a wonderful person.”
She stared at Kade, dumbstruck.
“Indeed, she is,” Nick said. “But don’t say anything to your brothers just yet. Miss Knight and I have to discuss the particulars first.”
“Wait,” she finally said. “Lord Arn—”
He held up a hand. “A moment, please, Miss Knight. Off with you, scamp.”
Kade headed for the door and gave Victoria a cheery wave. “See you later, Miss Knight.”
Victoria managed a weak wave in reply, but Nick could see she was also working her way up to a thunderous scowl. She looked so adorably fierce that he was tempted to laugh. Common sense, however, dictated caution. Madam Governess had her own ideas about how the world should be ordered, and those ideas might not include him. For one thing, she might be appalled by the notion of spending most of her life in a drafty old castle in the Highlands.
Janet had loathed it, after all, and she’d been born and raised in Scotland.
But Victoria was not Janet. Where his wife had been dramatic and sentimental, Victoria was clear-eyed and sensible. She would never succumb to girlish notions of wedded bliss, or expect Nick to act dashing and romantic. They would have a satisfying partnership based on mutual esteem, affection, and a sensible view of family and duties.
And we will have a great deal of splendid sex.
“My lord, are you well?” She’d stopped scowling and now studied him with vague alarm.
Imbecile.Letting his mind wander was no way to court a skittish lady. “I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
“You’re not going to be sick, are you?” She ran a quick, practiced eye over him, not looking much impressed.
He probably should have taken the time to shave and change after all, but it was too late now. “No, I feel perfectly fine.”
When her eyebrows shot up, he shrugged. “Very well. I do have a bit of a headache, but it’s nothing to worry about.”
“I’m not surprised,” she muttered.
“Miss Knight. Victoria—”
“Won’t you sit down?” she firmly interrupted. “I could ring for the maid and see what’s taking so long with the tea.”
He strolled around the table to her side. “I don’t need tea. I just need you.”
She narrowed her gaze. “I’m not sure what that means.”
Taking her determined little chin in his hand, he tilted it up. “It means I’d like to kiss you.”
Her lovely lips parted on a gasp, but she simply stared at him. Then, as he slowly lowered his head, she blinked a few times, and one of her hands came to rest on his chest.
“I don’t think—” she started.
