Duke of Decadence (Lords of Scandal 9) - Page 53
But the man who’d been there moments before was gone.
“Where is he?” Bash asked, Emily gripping the slick bar on her own.
She frowned, her lip trembling. “He left.”
“I can see that. Where? Who is he?”
“I don’t know,” Emily answered as she trembled.
Bash gave a frustrated sigh, but he helped her down off the small platform.
“All he said was that he’d see me again soon. And then he was gone,” Emily said. “I know he was shot…I saw the blood, but he said it was nothing but a graze.”
Emily started to cry, and the carriage door flew open, Eliza skidding past him to whisk her sister into her arms.
Isabella’s hand slipped into his and he looked over at his soaking wet goddess. “You got down.”
Isabella gave him a sweet smile. “Eliza says that I am very strong. I’ve never thought that about myself, but I did just drive a coach and six through the rain after I battled off a man attempting to kidnap us. Perhaps she’s right.”
“Kidnap?” The word stuck in his throat. “You were nearly kidnapped?”
She leaned into him, her face nuzzling into his shoulder. “I suppose we can add the story onto the list of items we need to discuss. But I have to confess, this list is growing rather long. Perhaps we shouldn’t wait until tonight.”
“Tonight isn’t soon enough to talk?” he said as he slipped an arm about her waist, pulling her even closer.
“Three more major events could happen between now and then.”
Even he had to chuckle at that. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Oh. And Caroline, our former Aunt Mildred, quit. It likely doesn’t matter since our uncle just attempted our kidnapping. She was only here to preserve our relationship with him.”
“And your reputations,” he added. “But we don’t need her for that anymore either.”
She stiffened against him. “Have we been ruined today? Did everyone learn of my activities? I know I just said I was strong but that is going to be painful and—”
“No,” he interrupted. “You’ve not been ruined.” He took her hand into his. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I’ve attained a special license. I am hoping you will consent to be my wife.”
“Thank the Lord,” Eliza cried.
Abigail let out a whoop of joy. “We’re saved.”
But Bash didn’t look away as Isabella tipped her head to look at him. “But last night…” she started with a frown.
He saw the hurt in her eyes and he winced, knowing that he’d caused it. “I know what I said. But I can’t leave you unprotected any longer. It’s time to be the man you need me to be.” He only hoped she still liked that man when he denied her children and a real marriage bed.
She gave a single nod. “I accept.”
He gave her another squeeze as her sisters cheered again. But Isabella didn’t join them. She cocked her head staring at him with a furrowed brow.
Had it been the least romantic proposal ever? His trepidation was likely evident on his face. What if she changed her mind when she heard the type of marriage he had in mind?
Isabella remained tucked under the warmth of Bash’s arm as they moved into the house.
Despite his heat, she felt cold all the way down to her core. Probably because of the rain and the actions of her uncle. But another piece of her knew, the sadness creeping into her thoughts, was as much about that proposal as anything else.
She couldn’t say no. Her sisters needed her to say yes. And if she were honest, she didn’t want to. She loved Bash.
But she wanted him to love her too.
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