She stopped circling for a moment. Her skirts swished against her ankles. “I didn’t think about that. I did tell you I detested Lord Kendall, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but I still should have told you,” he continued, turning his head to look at her. “I never should have allowed it to go on for so long. I have no excuse other than…I loved spending time with you. Loved talking to you. Loved—”
“Kissing me?” she offered, quirking a brow, her arms still crossed.
He tugged at his lower lip with his teeth. “Yes, that too. Very much.”
She resumed her circling. “Didn’t you think I was a fool when I told you how much I hated noblemen?”
“No.” He smiled at her and shook his head. “I thought you were magnificent and honest. And unique. How many ladies would say something like that?”
“I thought I was talking to a footman,” she replied, her tone stern.
“That might be true, but you are magnificent and honest, Frances. You’re also unique.”
She resumed her steps. “What about the time I said gentlemen of the Quality were the most boring lot of overbred stuffed shirts you could imagine?”
Lucas shrugged. “I couldn’t argue with you, and I came to believe you were correct. I only hoped you didn’t find me to be an overbred stuffed shirt.”
She tapped one fingertip along her jaw. “And when I said the talk at ton events was boring?”
“I agreed with you.” He held out one palm. “Why do you think we never met during the Season? I loathe that endless round of meaningless social events.”
She came to a stop directly in front of him and eyed him carefully. “You didn’t think I was foolish?”
“Never,” he breathed. “But it wasn’t just those things you said, Frances. It was much more. I like to talk to people about the things that really matter, too. You made me see how wrong I’ve been on half a score of issues.”
Her brows shot up. “For example?”
“Well, I intend to revoke the Employment Bill and write a new proposal, one for a bill that repeals the worst of the trade laws and provides more safety and rights for servants and the working classes.”
A huge smile spread across her face. “Truly?”
“Truly.” He nodded.
She clasped her hands together at her side. “Oh, Lucas. I do think that’s an excellent idea.”
He couldn’t stop himself any longer. He reached for her elbow and gently encircled it with his hand, caressing her skin just above where her glove ended. “I have you to thank for it, Frances. Will you help me write it?”
She stopped and stared him in the eye, her lips forming a small O. “Are you quite serious? There’s nothing I would like more.”
He laughed and pulled her into his arms, hugging her close before lifting her up and spinning her around. When he sat her back down, he said, “I thought you might say that. With both of us working on it, it’s certain to be the best law in the land. Though I sincerely doubt we’ll win Sir Reginald’s vote.”
She laughed. “That’s a risk I’m quite willing to take.”
“Me too.”
Frances stared up into his eyes, a pensive look on her face. “There’s one more thing I wanted to ask you.”
He placed the back of his fingers along her cheek and gently stroked her skin. “What’s that, my darling?”
“Do you love me, Lucas? I mean…Ken—”
He rubbed her shoulders. “I am Lucas. I always was the man you fell in love with. And yes, I love you madly.”
“I’m awfully glad to hear that.” She gave him a pretty smile. “I love you too.”
He lowered his to look into her eyes. “Does this mean…you’ll marry me?” His words were tentative. By God, she hadn’t said yes yet.
“It depends,” Frances replied, batting her eyelashes at him.
“On what?” He held his breath. His chest felt so tight he thought it might burst.
“On whether you ask me again. I was a bit preoccupied that last time.”
He expelled his pent-up breath in a heated rush and pulled her against his chest, pressing his cheek against hers as he whispered in her ear, “Frances Regina Thurgood Wharton, I love you more than words could ever say.” He dropped to his knee in front of her, clasping her hands with his. “Will you please, please say you’ll marry me?”
Her eyes filled with tears. She nodded. “Yes, Lord Kendall. I’ll marry you.”
He jumped up and pulled her tight again, then lowered his head and kissed her as if he would never let her go.
Moments later, he pulled his lips from hers and declared, “I’m going to make you the happiest countess in the land.”
“I intend to hold you to that promise,” she replied, laughing.
He spun around in a circle, energy coursing through his veins. “I want to shout our engagement announcement to the rooftop!” He squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss the back of her glove. “Should we go tell your parents right away?”
She shook her head. “Not quite yet. I think there’s something else we should do first.”
He searched her face. “What is it, my love?”
Her cheeks flamed. She cleared her throat and glanced away, plucking at each of her fingers. “I…suggest you…ravish me…just in case Mama objects to the engagement.”
He frowned. “You think she’ll object?”
“Let’s see, me marrying one of the most eligible men in the ton? I’m certain I can talk her into it, but I can’t say that being ravished doesn’t hold its own appeal.”
He arched a brow and allowed a wide grin to spread across his face. “Your wish is my command, my lady.”
* * *
When Lucas pulled her into his arms and kissed her once more, a shiver
