Page 62 of Made for the Marquess (Second Sons of London 4)

It didn’t take long. Enough couples had been strolling along the path. He heard the rustling of skirts. Then whispers. And he knew he had accomplished his mission.

Raising his lips, he said softly, “We have been seen.”

Minta’s head whipped around and Percy looked as well, seeing three couples had halted and watched them with interest.

“Oh, Percy. What have you done?” she asked, her expression pained.

“We have been caught kissing in public,” he said. “It is obvious what comes next.”

“No,” she told him. “It is not right. You were done with me. You said I was unsuited to be your marchioness. I will not see you unhappy, forced into a marriage with me.”

He gazed at her a long moment, hearing the other couples titter as he did. “Trust me.”

Taking Minta’s hand, he slipped it into the crook of his arm and escorted her to Lord Westlake, who stood with his wife and two other couples.

“My lord, I would like to make an appointment with you for tomorrow morning.”

Lady Westlake’s jaw dropped. “What is this about, Minta?” she demanded, her eyes flicking from her niece to him.

Percy turned to the countess. “I will be asking Lord Westlake for his niece’s hand in marriage.” He pivoted to the earl. “If you would be so good as to have your solicitor present, my lord, I will bring mine as well. That way, we can draw up the marriage contracts.”

Lady Westlake gasped. Lord Westlake merely nodded and said, “Ten o’clock, Lord Kingston?”

“I will see you at ten.”

Lifting Minta’s hand, he pressed a kiss upon her fingers. “Good afternoon, Miss Nicholls.”

Percy released her hand and hurried away.

Knowing the die had been cast.

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