Page 14 of A Slight Problem with the Wedding
“Richer?”
She nodded. “I think so. Oh, not anything for certain, but my aunt mentioned something odd to me a few days after Allendale and I announced our betrothal.”
“Do you recall what she said?”
Gory nodded. “Yes, it is only what happened last night that I cannot seem to remember at all.”
“Tell me what she said,” he gently prompted, still keeping her pinned between his arms, and pleased she did not mind being held against him.
In truth, she seemed to be edging closer.
“She told me Allendale only wanted me for my wealth. She sounded quite bitter about it. I thought it odd because my dowry, while adequate, is not remarkably substantial. Many debutantes come onto the marriage mart with fatter purses to lure the eligible bachelors.”
“Why do you think she made the comment then?”
“I have no idea. At the time, I thought she was saying it just to be hurtful. You know, implying that no man would ever want me for myself. Perhaps I should not have dismissed the remark out of hand. I did not want to believe she was right.” She trembled lightly. “But she is right, isn’t she? Why should any man look at me twice? I am no prize.”
Julius frowned. “You are the crown jewel. She is completely and utterly wrong.”
Gory’s soft laugh held such misery. “And this is why I ran to you. I think you are the only man in London who sees any worth in me. But my aunt’s remark is another matter that requires investigation, don’t you think? You’ll have to take me to my uncle’s solicitor. We need to get at the truth of my inheritance.”
“Not today, Gory. You have to rest. Nor do I intend to drag you around with me while I investigate your uncle’s murder.” He leaned in closer, unable to stop himself because she was an irresistible force drawing him in and the attraction was too great.
What a fool he had been to let her slip away.
She ought to have been his.
His to love and protect.
Things would change from this day forward.
He did not give a fig about Gory’s inheritance. Whether it was a fortune or a pittance was irrelevant to him.
He wanted her heart.
This is all he cared about.
Winning her heart.
She was still looking up at him, her tempting lips mere inches from his mouth.
Full and pouty.
“I promise to share everything I learn,” he said, hardly recognizing the raw rasp in his voice. “But I need you to rest here and recover. I’ll never forgive myself if harm comes to you.”
“No, Julius. You mustn’t ever blame yourself or I will never forgive myself for running to you. You do not need me complicating your carefree life. I am so sorry that I imposed on you,” she said, cutting him to the quick with the remark.
“Never say that.” He gave her cheek a light caress. “You had to come to me, for no one understands you as I do. No one will protect you as vigorously or faithfully as I will. I am so sorry I was not there for you last night. But I am here for you now and always. Let me take care of you, Gory.”
She was still staring up at him, her lips slightly parted and quivering.
Kiss her.
Kiss her, you fool.
Tears welled in her eyes as he was about to bend his head toward hers. He paused, not wanting to press his lips to her beautifully shaped mouth unless she was willing. Were she less vulnerable, he might have pushed ahead and simply kissed her.
But not now.
