Page 64 of Cherish and the Duke
“Oh, dear heaven,” she said in a whisper.
He took her hand in his. “Cherish Northam, will you marry me?”
Chapter Thirteen
Gawain rose andheld his breath while awaiting Cherish’s answer, although he knew she was going to accept.
She loved him and had already told him so. And he surely had to be in love with her if her irritating insistence on facing her uncle had only made him more determined to protect her.
Indeed, it seemed everyone was holding their breath while awaiting her answer, even her toad of an uncle, whose face had gone from apoplectic purple to ashen gray.
Ah, yes.This confirmed to Gawain the man had been stealing from his niece and was now about to be found out. Not only found out, but about to face the wrath of a Silver Duke who would soon be married to his niece.
Stupidly, if Northam had simply left matters alone and allowed Cherish to remain at the party, Gawain might not have been pushed to propose.
No, that was not quite right. He might not have been pushed to propose at this very moment, but his heart had known Cherish was the one for him the moment he set eyes on her. He had been too stubborn to acknowledge it and instead continued the farce of matching her to his nephew, when all along he knew he could never let this precious girl belong to anyone but him.
Well, they belonged to each other now. They both knew it and felt it, only he had been an idiot to resist the obvious.
“Cherish?”
Why was she taking so long to accept him?
Did she need reminding that marriage to him would make her a duchess and untouchable by her uncle? He also suspected that an accounting would reveal she had independent means, perhaps was even an heiress. He could not imagine her loving father ever purposely leaving her destitute. Of course, he could not pass on the entailed properties to her, but there had to be sufficient assets outside of the entailment that would have been left in trust for her.
Not that Gawain cared what she brought into their marriage beyond herself, but he was not about to let anyone steal what was rightfully hers.
“Do you remember the question?” He arched an eyebrow and grinned, for she looked deliciously bemused, and he did not want her thinking he was in jest.
She let out a breath and smiled up at him. “My head is still a bit foggy, but I do remember the question. It is not something I ever expected to hear from you.”
He nodded. “I know. I’m sorry I ever left you in doubt.”
“Oh, do not keep him waiting,” Margaret said with an impatient squeal. “Cherish, you must tell him what is in your heart.”
“He knows it already, Margaret.” But Cherish nodded. “Your Grace, there is no one for me but you, for it isyouthat I love. Not your title. Nor your wealth. Just you. I shall be delighted to be your wife.”
Cheers broke out all around them, and cheering loudest were Fiona, Reggie, and Margaret, who was hopping up and down and clapping. “I knew it! It had to be love, for you are the kindest and loveliest person, Cherish. I am so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Margaret.” Cherish gave the girl another heartfelt hug.
“Do I get one, too?” Gawain asked, his chuckle deep and resonant.
She nodded and rushed into his outstretched arms. “Thank you,” she whispered with a shudder of relief that coursed through her lithe body as he wrapped his arms around her. “We shall work it out later.”
Work out what? Did she believe he was merely pretending? That it was only a ruse to protect her from her uncle and he would beg out once the danger to her had passed?
He intended to disabuse her of the notion as soon as they had a quiet moment.
“This calls for champagne!” Fiona pushed forward to hug him. “Smartest thing you’ve done in your life, Gawain.”
Lady Albin stormed off. Reggie cast him a knowing look, for he had been the one to insist Lady Albin would never give up on him until he married.
Gawain was relieved to be done with her. But he felt no joy in seeing her brought down. For all her faults, they had a history, and he did not wish her ill. She had gone off in a huff, but he’d seen into her heart for just a moment, and she had looked defeated as well as angry.
What was going on with her? He might have helped her out had she told him the truth instead of resorting to mean tricks and selfish ploys. Perhaps he would seek her out at some point over the next few days to question her before she returned to London.
But his priority was now Cherish.
