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“Letitia told me about it. I hope you won’t be mad at her.” His cousin had been nothing but helpful, and he didn’t want her to get in trouble for going behind her friend’s back.

“I’m not. I know she wouldn’t tell just anyone.”

Trevor summoned his courage. He doubted he’d get a better opportunity than this to make a case for them to marry, so he looked her in the eyes and took her hand. “I know your choices are more limited because you only have a couple of weeks, but if you choose me, I’ll do everything I can to ensure your happiness.”

Her teeth dug into her plush lower lip. “You really mean that, don’t you?”

“Yes.” It would be pointless to say something he didn’t mean.

Her shoulders rose and fell on a gentle breath. “Then I will gladly marry you.”

His brain stuttered. He had not been expecting that.

“That easily?” he asked, stunned.

She released her lip from her teeth and sent him an impish smile. “I never thought of you as a possible husband because you didn’t seem interested in marriage. You’ve always been single-minded about your studies.”

He couldn’t deny that. “Could you imagine me on the marriage mart?”

She narrowed her eyes. “If you’re implying that no one would want you, then you’re not as intelligent as I thought.”

“Perhaps not, but I’ve hardly got the pretty way with words that many young women seek.”

“You’ve got something better.” She sounded like she meant it. “You’re honest, Trevor. That’s a rare thing.”

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Bessie wriggling toward the corner, as if trying to remove herself from the situation without actually being able to leave the carriage. He supposed he ought to apologize for having this conversation with her present, but there had been no avoiding it. Unmarried young ladies were never allowed to be alone with a gentleman unless they had leave to propose, which he didn’t. He doubted Mr. Dalton would refuse his offer given his title, but it had been important to him to speak with Seraphina before discussing her behind her back as if she were chattel to be traded.

“Is it too forward for me to suggest an attachment now?” he asked, because he had no idea about the timeline of such things, although he thought they were supposed to take longer.

“Yes, it’s forward, but it’s not an unwanted suggestion. Perhaps…” She shifted her weight, fidgeting with her skirt. “You could come in tonight and speak with my father.”

“Yes, I suppose I’d better.”

He was slightly intimidated at the prospect—Mr. Dalton was the sort of man he’d never really known how to get along with—but if he was going to marry Seraphina, then he’d have to ask for permission—there was no avoiding that, and it might as well be now.

At least the thrill of having her accept his suit tempered his nerves. The most wickedly clever, quick-witted woman he knew was going to be his wife. That was worth celebrating.

Unfortunately, following close on the heels of that thought was the fact that she might not be quite so eager to marry him if not for the ultimatum. He was the best of the bad options in her eyes, and he should try not to let himself forget that.

When they stopped outside her home, he escorted both women in and requested an audience with Mr. Dalton. Seraphina squeezed his hand and wished him luck before disappearing into the bowels of the house.

Smithers took Trevor to her father’s retiring room, where he was offered brandy and a cigar. He declined both, wanting all of his mental faculties and knowing he would make a fool of himself choking on smoke if he tried to impress his future father-in-law by taking the cigar.

“I would like to offer for Seraphina,” he rasped out, his throat suddenly dry.

Mr. Dalton studied him from above the rim of his glass of brandy. “Why?”

He tapped his fingertips against his thigh to ground himself. “Because she’s intelligent, kind, and I think we would suit each other well.”

Taking another drink, Mr. Dalton arched an eyebrow. “Not because she’s beautiful?”

Trevor’s fingertips tapped faster. “I can’t deny that she’s pretty, but there’s more to it than that. I like her as a person, and I want to marry her.”

“Is she amenable?”

“I believe so.”

Mr. Dalton blew out a breath. “If that’s the case, then you have my blessing. I suggest you marry with all reasonable haste.”