Page 54 of Conveniently Trapped with the Marquess
“For all that you have done in searching for my daughter. Your dedication to finding her has only led me to see that you have grown quite close with my daughter. I am grateful for the fact that she has someone as chivalrous as you to call her friend.”
The Duke looked sadly at Alice’s sleeping figure. “I should still be outraged at the fact that you have been meeting with her in secret, but in light of all that has happened, I cannot muster the feeling. I’m only happy that she is home and safe again.”
William nodded in agreement. “I, as well, Your Grace.”
“This leads me to the question I want to ask you. Do you love my daughter, Lord Erlington?”
William felt Christopher and Lady Emma’s eyes, but in this moment, only one person mattered. He nodded slowly, wanting the Duke to see just how serious he was. “With all my heart.”
“Is it your intention to marry her?” he asked.
“If she will accept me, Your Grace.”
The Duke sighed. “I fear that will not be a simple task.”
“But I am willing to do all that I can in pursuit of it.” Not giving himself time to think things through, he forged on, “Do I have your blessing, Your Grace?”
The Duke’s easy nod had William letting go of a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “With pleasure, My Lord. If it were up to me, I would have you two marry tomorrow.”
“And don’t I get a say in it?” came a murmur. It was Alice.
William rushed to her side instantly. Her eyes were open, though with heavy lids, and she looked from side to side as she took in all the people around her. They came to rest on William.
“You’re awake?” Lady Emma gasped, clasping Alice’s hand.
“For some time now,” she murmured tiredly. “It is quite interesting listening to you all talk about me.”
“Hush,” her father said gently. “You shouldn’t talk. You had a long night.”
“What happened to Lord Brownley?” Alice asked as her eyes fluttered close.
“He’s been taken by the authorities and will be charged for his crimes,” Christopher explained.
“Ah.” She re-opened her eyes. “I see.”
William couldn’t speak. Seeing her eyes open, hearing her voice, he felt as if he could truly breathe again. Emotions clogged this throat, however, and when she looked at him again, a smile fluttering across her lips, it nearly brought him to tears.
“I love you, William,” she whispered.
William widened his eyes, shocked. “What?”
She smiled wider. “I wanted that to be the first thing I said to you when I saw you again. After listening to Lord Brownley speak, I realized how much of a fool I’d been to let my fear take control of me. So, before anything else, I want you to know that I love you. With all my heart.”
William felt a smile tug at his own lips. He shouldn’t be surprised that she was bold enough to say such a thing in front of others. So, he said, “Does that mean you will accept my hand in marriage?”
“I would be a fool not to,” she laughed. Lady Emma stifled a giggle behind her hand and the Duke couldn’t hold back his smile. Alice swallowed a yawn as delicately as she could before she went on, “Now, all of you, please leave. I’d like to rest. Except for William. If you’d be so kind as to send for Nancy, Father, I would like to spend some time with my betrothed before I fall asleep.”
“Of course, of course!” The Duke was already trying to usher everyone out. No doubt the fact that his stubborn daughter had finally agreed to marry made him willing to agree to anything.
William watched, amused, as they all left the room, leaving them alone. Once they were gone, he took Alice’s hand in his. “Now, what naughty thing did you want to tell me in private?”
She let her eyes drift close. “Only that I love you,” she murmured.
He could tell that she was already falling back asleep. He settled into the chair the physician had occupied, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I love you too, Alice.”With all my heart.
Epilogue
Six Months Later
