Miss Radley's Third Dare (Miss Mayhem 3)

“I…” Julia choked up and covered her mouth with trembling fingers. Valentine was too generous. She blinked back tears. “I’ve always wanted one but Linus refused.”

“Hmm, I suppose Linus would see it as encouraging your tendencies for the unusual. Do you like it?” When she nodded, he closed the face. “I can hold on to it until our wedding day if you’d rather not provoke him.”

Although she longed to keep it, she pushed his hands back. “He has been difficult enough as it is.”

Valentine kissed her temple. “No longer. Not if you marry me.”

Julia hesitated. It was every young lady’s dream to catch the attention of a man who took her interests seriously. By the sound of it, she had ruined Valentine’s plans and yet he still wanted to marry her. He was getting a very bad bargain indeed. She didn’t know if that made him a fool or incredibly optimistic.

He did kiss nicely though, and he did know her a lot better than she’d ever suspected. She felt a pang of longing for Anthony Linden but then pushed that hope aside. Not even he had offered to test his strength or skill against hers. Only the man standing before her; offering his name to mend her reputation gave her hope for a better, challenging future.

Valentine, despite their differences or perhaps because of them, was willing to accept the way she was and that pleased her. She’d be a fool to turn down his generous offer, especially after the manner in which she’d spurned the first. “I will. I will marry you.”

She wasn’t sure what she had expected after her answer but when Valentine swept her off her feet and spun her about until they were both gasping with laughter, she clung to him tightly. He kissed her hard on the mouth and then drew her toward home. “Next time I propose, try to appear surprised for your brother’s sake, and whatever you do, don’t knock me down. A proposal shouldn’t turn into a wrestling match, no matter how appealing the idea might be to both of us.”

Her eyes widened. “You would wrestle with me like you would with a man?”

He grabbed her and pulled her close. “Definitely.”

A thrill shot through her whole body at the dark tone behind his words. Perhaps she really had made a good choice—but there was still Melanie to contend with. She wasn’t looking forward to seeing Valentine’s family again.

Six

Valentine shook Linus Radley’s hand. “The banns will be read on Sunday. I’ll go now to speak with Mr. Pease and begin arrangements immediately.”

Radley raked his hand through his hair. “Thank you. This has been a difficult time for the family.”

They were standing in Linus Radley’s study, a place he’d not visited in many, many weeks. The room hadn’t changed but circumstances had. He was uncomfortable here now. The last time he’d stood in this room, Radley had insisted that his only option had been to marry the man’s sister. Considering he was about to do that very thing

, marry Julia, he would be very pleased to escape the reminder. Of course, now he was marrying Julia entirely because he wanted to, and because he thought they would be good together.

Like last time, Radley didn’t seem to care what Julia thought about marriage.

He was not at all concerned about Julia’s happiness in this arrangement. He just wanted the scandal to be over and her married off to anyone who would take her. Valentine found Radley’s attitude offensive and unreasonably cold. “Thanks are hardly required, but you have mine for entrusting me with her happiness.”

“She could not have done better,” Linus replied.

Was that a compliment or an insult? He stood uncomfortably, unsure how to respond, and then shrugged off the feeling.

The terms of settlement had been discussed and agreed upon. There was nothing left to do but wait and say their vows. Given the time that had passed since the race and ensuing scandal, Linus had been eager to complete everything today and he’d been brisk and efficient. “Let me show you to the door.”

“I should like to say goodbye to your sister, if I may.”

Radley frowned but gestured toward the parlor, where Valentine had left Julia after going down on one knee and proposing properly. “If you think it necessary.”

“I do indeed.” He was eager to see her again. As agreed, they shared no references to his first proposal. He was especially grateful, because the first had ended with him dumped on his backside. Radley could become angry with Julia if he should find out about that. He’d bellowed at her more than enough over the past months for Valentine’s liking. Now that she would be his wife, he was determined to put a stop to the daily harassment.

He caught Julia’s eyes as soon as he entered the parlor and smiled warmly. She had been all fidgety nerves on his first arrival and she still seemed anxious even now. “All settled.”

Linus Radley paused at his side. “Mr. Merton is leaving.”

Her face fell. “Already.”

“I’ll see you soon.” Her disappointment touched him and he strode across the room and caught her fingers gently in his. “I’m just on my way to see Mr. Pease.”

A worried frown crossed her brow. “Good luck.”

“None required.” He touched the fingers of his free hand to her pocket watch hidden in his waistcoat, just to remind her that he carried it and would be thinking of her.