Page 88 of The Duke's Pet

She laughed. “I know where eggs come from, I just haven’t seen any chickens here.”

“Mrs. Cook keeps them within the walled garden, where the vegetables grow.”

“I should like to see the walled garden before I leave.”

“Er, yes, about that.”

“About what? The garden?”

“No. You leaving.”

“Hillcrest.”

He nodded.

She swallowed, her throat a little tight. “What about it?”

He rubbed his brow with two fingers as if holding off a headache.

“Are you in pain?” She rested her hand on his arm.

“No, no, not at all.” He managed a brief smile.

“You’re worrying me.”

“I am?”

“Yes. I don’t like to think of something bothering you physically or in your mind and it’s clear there is something.”

“You are very kind to care.”

“Of course I care.” How could he think she didn’t? She loved this man standing before her. And with every beat of her heart she fell even more in love with him.

“I care about you too,” he said. “A lot.”

His words created a new sadness in her. She’d miss him when she left, but he’d also miss her, and she hated to think of him having even a moment’s sorrow at her doing.

She glanced away, looking out of the window again but not really seeing what was there this time.

“Jemima.” He took her hand. “You have been happy here, as mine?”

She nodded. Not quite trusting herself to speak without a wobble in her voice.

“Despite my little games, my general untidiness, reclusiveness, you have still been happy?”

“Yes.” She turned back to him. “Being here is something I’ll never forget. Being withyouis something I’ll never forget.”

He pressed his lips together, his smooth jawline tightening.

“You’re my first lover,” she said softly. “And will always be in my heart.”

“As you are in mine.” He’d said the words quickly, as if they were falling over themselves to be spoken. “Which is why I must do this.”

“What?”

He plucked something from his coat pocket then dropped down onto one knee.

“Sir?” She stared at him, open-mouthed. What was he doing?

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