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“She is an independent woman. Very strong and courageous. She never needed your permission,” Keyon countered.
“Is that what you told her?”
“I didn’t need to tell her anything. She has a mind of her own, and a very strong mind at that.” He paused and let out a deep sigh. “I understand how you feel.”
“Do you?” Gunning’s nostrils flared.
Keyon slowly walked back to the bed and perched himself on the edge. He was still not feeling very well, and he’d rather not fall at the thief-taker’s feet.
“I had a sister, too,” he said. “Ava.”
Gunning raised a brow. “Yes, I know. She is the reason for this scuffle.”
Keyon threw him a menacing gaze. “She was my world. But she fell in love with a gentleman. Unworthy of her love. And because I tried to shelter her, to keep her away from him, she rebelled. And, as you know, that led to nowhere good.”
“Are you saying it is better for me to let Eloise marry you and keep an eye on you than refuse and risk her sneaking away?”
“I am saying she is going to marry me no matter what. But she’d rather do it with you by her side. I might not be the perfect gentleman, but I will be a loving husband. I shall do everything in my power so that Eloise has everything she needs and wants. I shall crawl to the end of the earth if need be, just to make her smile. Can you say the same about Hunter Jamison? Would he worship the ground she walks upon?”
Gunning scratched his jaw. “No, but she’d be protected.”
“From what? From life? From happiness? You might not like me—Lord knows I do not enjoy your company either—but I shall work tirelessly to make certain your sister is happy. And I shall give my life before I see her hurt.”
Gunning took a deep breath as if preparing for the most unpleasant feat in his life, then reluctantly stretched out his arm toward Keyon. “You’re right. My sister will marry you, no matter what I say. But if it matters, you have my blessing.”
Keyon shook the thief-taker’s hand. “It matters to her, and so it matters to me.”
* * *
Eloise wrung her hands together, standing in front of the shut door. Steps sounded at the end of the corridor, and Eloise turned.
Verity walked toward her, and Eloise’s face lit up. She had missed her friend. They hadn’t spoken while Eloise was recovering. Nobody was allowed in her room except for Grace and Ford.
“I see you are feeling better,” Verity said.
Eloise smiled. “Yes. Thank you.”
Verity walked toward her and raised a brow. “Why are you standing all alone in the corridor?”
“Um…” Eloise looked at the closed door to Keyon’s chamber. She didn’t want to leave in case something was amiss. But she also needed a distraction. “I am waiting for Ford.”
“He is in there?” Verity asked with a tilt of her head.
Eloise let out a nervous chuckle. “Yes.”
“You look good,” Verity said as she studied Eloise. “A little pale, but nothing a bit of rouge can’t fix.”
Eloise bit on her lip. Verity was speaking to her, which was a good sign. But there was still a need for an uncomfortable conversation.
Eloise cleared her throat. “Verity, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
“Of course, deary,” Verity replied without hesitation.
“About Hunter Jamison,” Eloise said.
Verity waved a careless hand. “No need for that. I never had any hold over him.”
“Neither did I,” Eloise assured her. “We were never more than acquaintances. The betrothal was my brother’s idea and he—I am certain Jamison would not have married me if he wasn’t forced.”
