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“What are you doing here?” he asked at the same time.
“Where else would I be? Is it true? Are you forgiven?”
“Yes, but how does the comte know?” And then it all became clear. The comte had spoken to the king on his behalf. The king had not only seen the wisdom in protecting the British peerage, he’d wanted to do a favor for an old family friend. “That’s not all,” he told her. “As a reward for my valor in France I’m to be given a title.”
“The king knighted you?”
“No. He bestowed the title of Earl of Sedgwick on me.” And with that title, Ramsey finally felt he could begin to deserve a lady like the viscountess.
“I don’t believe it!”
“Neither do I, but before I wake from this dream, I must ask you one question.” He lowered himself to his knees. “Gabrielle, I wanted you the first time I saw you. You were beautiful and witty. But I fell in love with you in France when I saw qualities even more dear to me—your loyalty, your courage, your compassion. I barely begin to deserve you, but I dare to ask. Will you consent to be my wife?”
She squealed, and he thought for a moment she was angry at the proposal, and then she fell into his arms and rained kisses on his cheeks. “Of course, you foolish man. I thought you would never ask!”
—
Her heart felt so full it would surely burst. Ramsey wrapped his arms around her and she held him tightly, her head on his shoulder, secure in knowing he would be there to support her, love her for the rest of their lives. A movement in the shadows caught her gaze, and she lifted her head and peered into the gloom. A figure in an ebony cloak stood watching them.
Slowly he withdrew a small white paper from the depths of the black garment. She could just discern the small scarlet flower on the front. Gabrielle held her breath, equally terrified and elated that the Pimpernel might request her services again.
But then the man stepped back, and with a wave of his white handkerchief, seemed to bid her adieu. Gabrielle couldn’t help but wonder to whom the Pimpernel’s note was addressed.
