Page 58 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“Whatever could it be?”

Percy stopped and turned to face her, his face solemn. “Jane, I was wondering if you would do me the great honor of allowing me to court you.”

Jane stared back at him in surprise. She had not been expecting that. “Pardon?”

He reached for her hand, then said, “I think we would suit nicely, you and me.”

“But we are friends.”

“That is why I believe us to be perfect for one another.”

“In what way?”

Percy brought her hand up to his lips. “I want a wife that can make me laugh,” he said. “Someone that I am anxious to see every day.”

“I must admit that your declaration has taken me by surprise.”

“I am well aware, but I thought it would be for the best if I declared my intentions.”

Jane slipped her hand out of his and stepped back. “I am unsure of what to say.”

“Just promise me that you will think on it,” Percy said. “I am hoping you will agree that a union between us could be immensely rewarding.”

Her eyes searched his. “But why now?”

“I suppose I decided it was time for me to settle down and have an heir.”

Jane pressed her lips together. “How romantic,” she muttered.

Percy smiled indulgently at her. “I know that you must want love, and I truly believe that will come naturally after we wed.”

“Do you, now?”

“How could anyone not fall in love with you?” he asked, taking a step closer to her. “You are beautiful, kind, and clever.”

An image of Lord Evan came to her mind at his words. He didn’t love her, nor would he ever. So why was she spending her time pining for him?

Percy broke through her musings as he continued to plead his case. “I can promise that we will have such fun together, and as my countess, you will not want for anything in this life.”

“I shall have to think on it,” Jane asserted.

“Of course,” he replied. “Until that time, I intend to woo you so brilliantly that you will come to realize rather quickly that you want to marry me.”

“Is that so?”

He nodded. “If you are amenable, I was hoping to take you on a carriage ride through Hyde Park tomorrow.”

“I could agree to that.”

“Wonderful,” he said, offering his arm. “But first, you need to give me a tour of your lovely gardens.”

As she placed her hand on his arm, Jane replied, “I’d be happy to.”

With the morningsun behind him, Corbyn sat at his desk in his townhouse as he attempted to read through his correspondence, but his thoughts kept returning to Miss Polly and Hannity. Who would have killed them, and why was the murderer toying with him by sending notes? If this person wanted him dead, then why hadn’t he struck yet?

What was worse was that he had no leads. He had nothing to pursue, and it irked him. He didn’t like to be in this position, and he refused to let this person win. He would hunt him down and bring him to justice.

The door being thrown open drew his attention and the tall, fair-haired Lord Daniel Bradley stormed into his study. “What in the blazes are you about, Corbyn?”

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