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Her chest constricted slightly at his words. He was seeking to protect her reputation. While she was not certain she required shielding from gossip—having successfully ignored society's whispers for thirty years—the protective instinct behind the gesture was unmistakable.

"You dislike the gossips," she observed softly.

"I despise them completely," Julian corrected, his blue-gray eyes fixing upon hers. "A special license from the faculty office allows a ceremony to take place at any hour or location within twenty-four hours of its issue. We can be wed by the end of the week, before society has assembled its forces."

"By the end of the week," Cassian repeated, nodding slowly. "Swift and decisive—an approach characteristic of you both, albeit in different ways."

"Do you object?" Julian inquired.

"On the contrary, I approve entirely," Cassian replied, his smile softening. "The shorter the engagement, the less opportunity for well-meaning relatives to offer unwanted counsel." He adjusted his cuffs before turning to Adelaide. "I came to escort you back to the Ashbourne townhouse for dinner, where the family awaits your arrival."

"Of course." Julian turned to Adelaide, a faint hesitation marking his features as though he were navigating the formal requirements of their new dynamic. "I shall not detain you from your family."

Taking her hand, his fingers felt warm through her glove, his grip firm and brief. Bending his head, he pressed a formal kiss against the back of her gloved hand—a gesture entirely proper for a nobleman addressing a gentlewoman in a drawing room.

Yet as he lifted his head, his thumb moved slightly, tracing the narrow strip of bare skin at her wrist where the glove ended.

Adelaide held her breath as a sudden, intoxicating warmth spread from his touch, while his eyes met hers with an intensity that transcended formal etiquette.

"I shall call upon you tomorrow," he promised quietly, "to settle the final arrangements."

"I shall remain at the Ashbourne townhouse until noon," she replied, steadying her voice. "Afterward, I will visit the modiste, for your sudden proposal leaves me without a proper dress for a wedding."

"Select a dress in blue," Julian suggested softly. "Thomas once wrote in his field notes that the shade suited you exceptionally well."

Adelaide felt her throat tighten at the mention of Thomas's memory. She nodded silently, not trusting herself to speak.

Julian released her hand and stepped back. "Cassian, I anticipate seeing you at the chapel once the archbishop grants the license."

"I would not miss it for any wager," Cassian assured him, offering his arm to Adelaide. "Shall we depart, cousin, before your aunt sends a footman to investigate your absence?"

Adelaide took her cousin's arm, allowing herself a single glance back at Julian. He made no attempt to avert his gaze when her eyes met his. Then he stepped forward to see them out.

"You are smiling," Cassian whispered as they walked with Julian a few paces behind..

"I am perfectly composed," she countered.

"You are smiling," he reiterated softly. "I can feel the tension easing in your arm."

"I am merely contemplating the sheer volume of arrangements required before week's end."

Cassian offered a low chuckle. "Regardless of your explanation, the truth remains."

Adelaide pressed her lips together, though she could not deny the quiet satisfaction taking root in her thoughts.

They reached the front portico, where a footman opened the door to the bright afternoon light. The Ashbourne carriage waited.

Julian offered his hand to assist Adelaide into the vehicle. She accepted his aid, feeling the firm strength of his palm through her glove as she stepped into the interior.

"Until tomorrow, Miss Ashbourne," he said softly.

"Until tomorrow, Your Grace," she replied.

The carriage door clicked shut, the coachman signaled the team, and the vehicle lurched forward into the street. Adelaide leaned back against the squabs, realizing her hands were trembling slightly in her lap.

She was to be married to Julian Hawthorne before the week concluded.

"You displayed remarkably little surprise in the library, Cassian."