Page 108 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“Oh, the dogs are fine. Henry is as fine as before.”

“You have new patients then?”

“No. Not here, that is. The shepherd’s wife’s tooth had to be pulled. She is sore, but there is no sign of infection.”

“All good news then.”

A trickle of sweat beaded on his brow. His stomach tightened. It wasn’t every day that he asked a woman what he sought to ask Adeline. She seemed distracted as well. Maybe she sensed his unease?

He took her hand in his. Such delicate fingers capable of complicated surgery. Sure. Pretty and strong at the same time.

His thumb brushed back and forth across the back of her hand. She looked at him then, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. Her blue eyes met his directly for the first time since he’d come inside.

“Adeline, I need to ask you something.”

“Have you reinjured your arm?” She reached for the cuff of his sleeve when he shook his head.

His eyebrows drew together. “No. Why would you think that?”

“From your presence here and your expression, I sense it’s of importance.”

“It is.” He waited until she met his gaze once more. “I know we had an arrangement. An understanding. But Lady Heywood’s visit enlightened me on a different matter. A complication.”

Her brow furrowed. “What type of complication?”

He took a breath. “She pointed out that either I act or that I step aside for you to find another match.”

“I see.”

“No. I don’t think you do. I do not wish to step aside or for you to find another.”

“You don’t?”

His heart drummed in his chest. He slipped from the sofa to kneel. He took her hand in his once more. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my duchess?”

Her lips parted. “Pardon?”

She looked confused and uneasy. Perhaps he had failed to set forth his reasonings.

He gently squeezed her fingers. “I’ve given it much thought. It is a logical step.”

“A logical step?”

“Yes. We are well suited. You are intelligent and diligent in your endeavors, just as I am in mine. We are attracted to each other. Many aristocratic marriages are based on much less.”

“A well-suited aristocratic marriage?”

“Yes.” A knot in his chest eased. She understood after all.

She sat upright. “No.”

“No? Why?” It was not the answer he’d expected.

“I envisioned a different proposal, but nonetheless, it’s too late.”

“What do you mean it’s too late? I don’t understand.”

She flinched. “Edwin returned a half hour before your arrival today. I shall return to London with my half brother shortly. I am to marry Mr. Slade.”