Page 82 of The Duke of Ice
He laughed at her dire warning. “Would they attempt to snare me in a parson’s trap in some scandalous fashion?”
She exhaled. “I wish I could laugh and assure you that would never happen. However, I fear my parents will sink to any level they feel they must to secure a duke, particularly when they realize there is no truth to the rumor in the paper.”
He felt a rush of compassion for her—that was an emotion he didn’t mind, particularly when it alleviated his own pain. “How awful for you to have to live in this way. I don’t suppose you’ve considered running away?”
Her brows lifted briefly. “I have, in fact. Alas, my purse is not large enough to support more than a few days’ journey. And where would I go?”
He considered her question seriously, but before he could answer, she said, “If I fled alone, I would be ruined, no matter where I went.”
“If you were in the company of a gentleman you wouldn’t mind marrying, it’s not a bad plan.”
Now she laughed. “I don’t know such a gentleman, save you, I’m afraid.” She sobered, and color bloomed in her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to suggest we should run away together. I only meant that I like you, and you seem to like me—forme, not for my fortune or my beauty.” Her lips twisted with disgust, and she looked away.
He edged closer to her, speaking quietly. “Idolike you.” He’d been about to say that she’d find a gentleman with whom she felt comfortable, whom she could maybe even love. But then he remembered that she didn’t care about such things, particularly marriage. Just as he didn’t care about them—or didn’t want to anyway.
She squared her shoulders and looked him in the eye. “Rather than run away, I’ve been thinking I ought to find someone I can marry, someone who will accept me for who I am and not some pretty prize to be won. I truly didn’t mean to...snareyou; however, it occurs to me that we may be of service to one another.”
He suspected he knew her intent, but needed to be sure. “In what way?”
“You need a wife, I presume, since you’ve a title, and I’d prefer a husband like you. Your lack of ill-behavior and display of extreme equanimity is most appealing.”
Nick swallowed a laugh. “I’ve never been described in such a manner.” He supposed it fit, however.
Her brow arched in elegant inquisition. “Am I inaccurate in my estimation of you?”
Once upon a time, she would have been, but she’d captured the man he was now quite well. Except he had behaved poorly in recent days—he’d allowed a relationship with Violet that he never should have in the interest of soothing his own pain and regret. Self-loathing burned his throat like acid.
“No,” he choked the answer out.
Her shoulders dipped in relief. “Would such a union be of interest to you?” she asked softly.
Finally, he glimpsed a way to move forward and make a complete break from his past. He could set Violet free so that she could find a bright and happy love that would bring her joy for all the days of her life.
Nick needed to be completely clear with Miss Kingman, now that he understood his limitations. “I wouldn’t be a storybook husband. You cannot expect me to fall in love. In fact, I will insist that we keep such emotion from our union.” Hehadto. If he wanted love, if hewantedto take that risk, he’d run back to Bath—to Violet—this instant. Only, she wouldn’t be happy. She’d made it clear she loved the Nick of old, not the frigid man he’d become.
“You want a Duchess of Ice,” she summarized perfectly. “That appeals to me, actually. Indeed, I would prefer not to have children, but I understand you require an heir. I would only ask that we wait.”
She was precisely the type of wife he needed. “Ishouldbeget an heir, but as I’ve said before, I have male relatives in line. I have no quarrel with your terms.” His chest tightened, threatening to choke him. He struggled to take a deep breath.
“And I agree to yours.” She tipped her head to the side and whispered, “Did we just negotiate a marriage contract?”
His body tensed—his mind warring with his heart. “I think we might have.”
“My father won’t believe it.”
Nick’s heart thudded, making him wonder if Miss Kingman could hear it. Of course not. As loud as it seemed to him, the voice in his head was just as deafening, insisting that this was the right course of action, thelogicalcourse. “He will when I tell him in person,” Nick said. “Should we go now?” Then his heart wouldn’t be able to change his mind, not without causing a scandal.
“If you wish.”
“I’m agreeable to whatever you prefer.”
Her lips curved up. “Is this how it’s going to be? We’ll be insufferably polite and deferential?”
“Would that be bad?” he mused. She shook her head and he said, “I don’t think so either. Lead the way, if you will.” He gestured for her to precede him, and she kicked her horse into a trot toward the gate.
His heart clenched in a hard, fast spasm as he realized what he’d done. Miss Kingmanwaswhat he needed—a Duchess of Ice, just as she’d said—even if Violet was who he wanted.
Yes, he wanted her, but he wasn’t the manshewanted. He was damaged and afraid, and she deserved so much more. For both their sakes, he had to walk away. She ought to have a happy future, and he couldn’t give it to her.
