“I could never resent you. You must believe that.”
“I want to, but I can’t ask you to throw your life away for me.”
Lord Grenton turned the hand she still covered with her own and intertwined their fingers, bringing hers up to his lips. Her stomach fluttered in response, and she nearly gasped. “You must forgive me, because I am not good at giving speeches. But I do know that I would be unequivocally blessed to have you as my wife.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but Lord Grenton spoke first. “I hope you would find me more preferable than Lord Ransdale.”
She huffed. “That goes without saying.”
“Then what are your other reservations?” Lord Grenton asked, lowering their hands. “Surely you can agree that we suit.”
“I do, but—”
“Isn’t that enough?” Lord Grenton questioned. “Just agree to marry me now, and we will work everything else out over time.”
Georgie found herself in a terrible predicament. She did want to marry him, desperately. She was already halfway in love with him, but Lord Grenton had mentioned nothing about love or even affection. What if that never grew within him, and she was left to pine after her husband for the remainder of her days?
Marrying Lord Grenton seemed to be the only viable option for her, but how could she agree to such a thing, knowing he was only doing it to keep her safe for a few months? It was her fault that he was in this position, and she wished things could be different—but they weren’t.
Lord Grenton tightened his hold on her hand. “You must know this is the only way, Georgie.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You said my name.”
“I assumed it would be all right, since we are engaged,” Lord Grenton said.
“I haven’t agreed to it yet.”
“No, but you will,” Lord Grenton responded. “It is the only way to keep you and the orphans safe.”
Georgie knew that Lord Grenton spoke the truth. She would do anything to keep the girls safe from her brother.
With a bob of her head, Georgie agreed. “I agree. We should get married.”
A boyish grin turned up Lord Grenton’s lips. “I am pleased to hear you say that,” he said. “I was worried it would take me all night to convince you.”
“It is only logical that we wed.”
The grin faded. “Yes, logical,” he muttered. “If you are agreeable, we will depart for Gretna Green at first light tomorrow. We can’t obtain a license since it would require your guardian’s approval.”
“I am amenable to that plan.”
“Very well, then.” Lord Grenton abruptly rose. “It is late, and we have a long trip ahead of us tomorrow.”
After Lord Grenton assisted her in rising, he kept hold of her hand. “I will be a good husband to you,” he promised.
“I believe you,” Georgie responded, “and I will strive to be a good wife to you.”
Lord Grenton took her hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm. They were silent as they walked along the path, both retreating to their own thoughts. Georgie hoped she had made the right choice.
They entered the townhouse, and he led her back to the drawing room, where Evie and Mrs. Carter were waiting for their return.
Lord Grenton dropped his arm and turned to face her. “Until tomorrow, Georgie.” He tipped his head respectfully at Evie and Mrs. Carter before he departed from the room.
Once the main door was closed behind him, Evie gave Georgie an expectant look. “What did Lord Grenton want?”
Georgie hesitated before revealing, “He offered for me.”
“That is brilliant!” Evie declared, nodding in approval. “Once you two are wed, Lord Wakefield has no power over you.”
