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“I would like that a great deal,” Thomas managed, voice wavering.
“Yes,” the Duke of Alderleaf agreed. “Now, I would imagine you are quite tired. I shall leave you to rest.”
The Duke of Alderleaf left the room, and Thomas wanted to kick himself for not having Lady Evelina sent after. As it turned out, however, he didn’t have to—the butler appeared once more, informing him that Lady Evelina had been asking after him non-stop upon learning he was awake, and wanted to speak with him herself. Thomas did not hesitate to request that she be sent for at once.
“Thomas,” she said, kneeling at his bedside. “I’m so glad to hear you are safe. You cannot imagine how terrified I felt when I arrived at the flat and saw what had happened.”
Thomas took her hands in his own, though they were pale and shaking from the severe loss of blood. “From what the physician told me, it is because of you and your quick thinking that I survived at all. I am forever in your debt, My Lady.” Then, with a small smile, he asked, “And if you are in agreement, now that we have been given your Father’s blessing, I would like to humbly ask that you would consider becoming my bride.”
Evelina’s mouth dropped open in shock. “Is…is it true? Did Father really give you his blessing?”
Thomas nodded, his smile widening. “I could scarcely believe it myself, but yes. We have his full permission.”
Evelina was struggling to blink back tears. She looked as though she wanted to embrace him, but managed to hold herself back out of propriety, or fear for his wounds, or a combination of the two. “Then, yes! Of course,yes, Thomas.”
Thomas took a small risk and brought her hand to his lips, so that he might kiss the back of her palm. In that moment, despite all the confusion and treachery that had led to this moment, as long as he and Evelina were together, Thomas believed everything was ultimately going to be all right.
