‘And I nearly said I loved you then, but…I am not used to telling women I love them. I wanted to beg you, but I couldn’t—it even made me angry that you kept calling me Your Grace. I have been so stupid.’
She gave a little rueful laugh. ‘And I have been so stubborn.’
‘What made you change your mind?
‘When I heard you were hurt, I knew I had to be with you. I rushed off, my parents were astonished.’
Another short laugh. ‘And when I woke up and was told my fiancée had arrived, I thought I was hallucinating. I had no idea what Jack was talking about.’
‘You did not think it was me?’
‘How could I? You had just sent me packing.’
‘I’m so sorry, my love. But I was scared. That night, I woke up in a panic, on that sofa. I could not believe what I had done.’
He smiled, a slow smile that transformed his harsh face. She saw the dimple in his cheek again. ‘Yes, I do admit I was amazed—shocked—that you let me make love to you without having decided to marry me.’
She said, simply, ‘I could not help myself, your kisses made me insane. But afterwards I was terrified.’
‘Marguerite—would you really have let me go away?’
‘I hope not—otherwise I would have had to travel to India to find you, wouldn’t I?’ She made a grimace.
‘Why must you always call my bluff?’
She stared at him. ‘Did you not mean to go to India at all? I believed you.’
‘You still did not try and stop me. But it probably was an empty threat. I could not bear to plan the journey.’ He paused, and said slowly, ‘I have wanted you since the day I saw you help that woman in the street. You called me stupid.’
‘Did I? I don’t remember.’
‘Because your mind was on the girl, not on me. I fell for you, but I had no idea it was love—it was about getting what I wanted.’
‘Well, I fell for you after our drive at Harwick, when I saw we could get on. You held my hand on the way home, it was magic.’
‘But why keep refusing me, then?’
‘I knew you wanted me, but I did not think you loved me. I did not want to lose myjoie de vivreand become an embittered old bat.’
He laughed. ‘As if that could happen! You are not some pretty little songbird that can be caged. You are a…a…raptor.’
‘Oh dear, that sounds menacing. Like a hawk, you mean?’
‘A lovely little kestrel. Or perhaps a barn owl.’
‘Wise and silent in flight. I like that.’ She sighed. ‘I told you I love you, many times, last night—mostly in French, I suspect.’
He laughed. ‘My command of foreign languages was probably below par, last night—but I’m sure the effect of your words was beneficial to my recovery. I am not much use as a lover in my present state, but I promise to make it up to you. Meanwhile, could you please kiss me without touching my ribs?’
Marguerite bent forward to put her hands in his hair and her mouth against his. She felt overwhelmed by her feelings.
They heard a cough and looked up to see the landlord bearing a basin of steaming water, followed by Argyle’s valet, Curtis, who was carrying his clothes. Marguerite, blushing a little, said, ‘It is just that I am so, so happy he is better, you see.’ She rose from the bed.
‘Of course, my lady,’ said, the landlord, beaming, while the valet busied himself with razor and towels. ‘My missus says if you would like to come down, she has prepared breakfast for you in the parlour. I will bring His Grace a tray up later.’
Chapter 16
Marguerite enjoyed a plentiful and delicious breakfast in the parlour and made Mrs Mowat’s acquaintance, thanking her warmly for the loan of her shawl. The attentions of this kind woman and of Flossie, the bath and clean clothes and hot food, but especially Argyle’s recovery and declarations imbued her with a deep sense of wellbeing.
