Page 41 of A Spinster's Guide to Landing a Lyon

At a loss of words, she mindlessly stroked his hair. It was too tempting not to. And it was almost as though she needed to initiate some touch with him. To prove that he was really here.

“I’m sorry, Amelia. I’m so sorry. For everything.”

“Everything?”

He lifted his head. “Not everything. That wasn’t the right thing to say. I’m a mess. This week has been the darkest night of my life. When I didn’t hear from you—”

She stiffened. “Why would you hear from me?”

“I was waiting for your reply—”

“My reply?”

“To my note.”

“What note?”

“By God, you didn’t get it? I left it right here.” He pointed to the table in front of them.

“I didn’t get any notes. You left me one?”

“Yes, darling. It must have fallen on the floor. Or perhaps one of the servants cleaned it up and threw it away thinking it was trash. I had to leave it in such a frantic state that I can’t say for sure whether or not I put your name on it. I just folded it up and left it here. It was chaos from the second Damien rode up. Then Susannah. Then the boy—who is not my son—but then wanting to tell you everything only to hear from Damien that you didn’t want to talk to me—”

“I didn’t. I needed some space.”

“I understand that—”

“But wait…you don’t have a son?”

“No.” He smiled. His first genuine, full-bodied smile since arriving. “Not yet.” His hands went to her stomach. “I hope to someday with you.”

“You do?”

“If you’ll have me?”

“Is this your proposal?”

“No. But it’s my proposal to propose. Do you accept?”

“What? How? I’m confused.”

“I can explain everything—”

“Just tell me the most important parts for now.”

“Susannah made promises of a big country house to an orphan boy in exchange for him to act like my son. He was quite ill. Then Susannah fell sick. That’s what took me so long. It didn’t take long for the boy to tell me what was really going on. Her plans fell apart quickly when the truth was revealed. Thankfully.”

“Where’s the boy now?”

Benedict froze. Just stared at her.

“Benedict? Is he well? You’re making me nervous. Is he alright?” It took a swallow of pride, but she asked, “Is Susannah well?”

With tear rimmed eyes, Benedict took her face in his hands. “Susannah…is well, she’s Susannah. She’s fine. And the boy, he’s well. I’ve asked him to come work on my estate. I’ll see him treated well, my love.”

Her heart stuttered. Which shocked her because she hadn’t felt her heart beat all week. “That’s the first time you’ve called me that.”

“I know. It’s because I love you.”