Page 67 of Only Pleasure Will Do

“Marry you, my love.”

Maddy gasped and went still. “You want to marry me?”

“I have since before the night of the dinner party. When Dalbury told me of Katarina’s insane scheme to bring you out into Society, I said I would marry you, would propose that night.” He sighed. “But neither of them would hear of it.”

“Dalbury didn’t say a word to me about your offer.” Had she not been so shocked and elated by Reginald’s proposal, Maddy would have cursed the marquess.

“They want you accepted by Society, for both our sakes. Dalbury pointed out to me that if you accept me, you must be able to be a true companion and hostess to me in Town, or be left in the country.” He captured her hands. “As much as I would like to say I do not care if you can perform such duties in London or not, I would be loath to leave you in the country, my love. My work is in Town so I must be here. If we marry, so must you be.”

“Katarina said as much to me.” Her friend had known of Reginald’s preference and had said nothing. For such a betrayal, any other woman would have faced a vicious retaliation from Amorina Vestry. Now, however, Maddy’s perception had shifted. “That is why I agreed to the debut. The hope that it would prepare me to be your wife if you wanted me.”

“I believe we are of one accord on that question, are we not?” He kissed her again, a quick brush of the lips that sealed the promise as far as she was concerned.

“Oh, yes.” Her voice had gone husky, causing a hint of pain.

“Then we must plan quickly how we are to be married. I fear we do not have much time left.” Reginald glanced out the window at the street in front of the house. He was right. Either Duncan or Kat could return home at any minute. Maddy looked up at him, unhappy but resolute. “Reginald, we cannot marry before my debut ball.”

“What?” His brows rose high only to plummet again almost to his nose. “Why?”

“Because if we do, it will hurt Katarina, and I will not do that, no matter the cost to us.” Nodding her head decisively, she walked to the window, taking care to stay behind the drapes. “It will only be another week. We can wait, keep our distance and our secret until after the ball then make a formal announcement and give the date.” She smiled as satisfaction spread throughout her. “Then everyone will have cause to celebrate. I will have had my debut and, pray God, been accepted into the sacred fold. We will announce our intention to wed so that during the other entertainments the ladies are planning for me, we will be able to dance every dance with each other.” Maddy beamed at Reginald. “That is the perfect solution, is it not, my love?”

“The perfect solution would be to procure a special license and be married in the morning,” he growled, stalking over to her. He engulfed her in his arms, pulling her against him once more. “However, in deference to my cousin, I will strive for the patience to last another week.” He lowered his mouth to hers. “But on the tick of midnight, I will make my declaration to you. No matter where you are or who you are dancing with at that moment,” he brushed her lips faintly then pulled back, “I will claim you as mine. So I warn you, best be prepared.”