“Why would you need to do that?”

Merrick linked his fingers behind her back. “Farnsworth. He claimed he was set upon by thieves and you were abducted or ran off in terror. The story he painted is quite lurid and likely has caused much gossip because you’ve disappeared from London. However, should it become known that you were in fact alone with me, Farnsworth may have something very different to say about that night. I don’t imagine he will be very kind in his accusations.”

Arabella broke away, arms wrapping about her chest. “You saw what he did to me.”

“I did, though only I did.” Merrick followed her and wrapped his arms about her waist. “If he makes trouble for you, my grandfather might be of assistance.”

“How?”

“We need to make sure your story is the one believed.” He brushed his lips cross her shoulder, peeking at her breasts. “No one will question our story if the Duke of Rutherford is on your side. His aid usually comes with a price, though, and I will pay it if your reputation is saved in the process.”

She turned in his arms. “I’m coming with you.”

He let her go, stunned by her suggestion. He was trying to prevent further harm to her reputation, and she wanted to remain at his side, even when facing the duke. “Arabella, you are where you belong. Stay at Winslette until the dust settles.”

Her face fell. “I don’t know where I belong anymore, but I think I should be at your side when you plead for Rutherford’s support. These are my troubles.”

“Mine too, now.” He caressed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. “If not for me the truth about Farnsworth would already be known.”

“And I’d still be a virgin.” She raised one eyebrow, as if daring him to suggest their affair was a mistake.

He bit his lip briefly. Could her insistence in accompanying him mean what he hoped? “Are you sure? It will not be a social call. My grandfather will require every detail of that night spelled out it him in full, and the decisions made in the days after. You may find it an uncomfortable experience, as we all do when called to account for our actions.”

She nodded decisively. “Yes, I’m sure, Merrick. I will come with you and tell my side of the story. If I have lost society’s good opinion and Farnsworth is believed before us, then I’m sure being with you is a much more comforting place to be. You and I know the truth.”

“Have I ever mentioned how much I admire you?”

Her smile was sudden and somewhat smug. “Actually you have. Last night before you made love to me.”

“I’d like to do so again.”

She fluttered her lashes. “Make love to me or whisper sweet nothings in my ear?”

“I would gladly do both at the same time if I could keep my wits about me.”

She laughed then and his excitement grew at the sweet sound. “They say that passion can confuse a body and the mind.”

“Arabella, my dear, you were born for that.”

A blush grew as she stared at him. Such large, trusting eyes. He smoothed a hand down her back, her lush curves beckoning his hands to explore, and put off his plans for yet another day. “The trip to Newberry Park should not be put off too long.”

“A shame, but there is always tonight,” she said firmly, her hands closing over his bottom and squeezing.

He laughed at her bold touch, then kissed the tip of her nose. “I’d better dress then and leave you alone to make whatever preparations you require.”

Arabella giggled and released him. “Where will you be in an hour?”

“I thought I might survey the house to see where a conservatory might be built. The space you have is much too small.”

“I’ve done so already,” she said urgently. “Years ago now.”

“You have? But that’s wonderful.”

“Farnsworth thought the plans excessive, but Mr. Piper can show you where the designs were stored.”

“I’ll go find him now.” He kissed her again then hunted for fresh clothing. She was still watching him when he threaded a pin into his cravat. “I’ll see you later. We could discuss the design as we travel instead of watching Holland smirk at his books.”

She grinned and slipped his banyan around herself. “I’d like that.”

As he headed for the door, hooves sounded on the drive outside. Puzzled, he quickly checked the window to see who had come. Unfortunately, the carriage was already vacated and being turned around. Whoever it might be was already within Winslette House. He hurried for the door and wrenched it open.

Holland stood there, hand raised to knock. Merrick quickly blocked his view into the room where Arabella remained partially clothed. His brother’s face was uncomfortably flushed, his eyes cast downward. “So sorry to disturb, my lord, but you have a visitor waiting in the drawing room.”

“Grayling wasn’t expected, was he?” Must be one of his new neighbors come to call on him. It was rude to send them away, but he wasn’t truly the lord of the manor here. They must wait upon Arabella. He glanced at her. She couldn’t meet anyone dressed like that, wearing only his banyan and nothing beneath. She’d need at least an hour before facing visitors. “Let whoever it is know that Lady Farnsworth is otherwise engaged at this time.”

Holland sighed. “Under normal circumstances I would have already done so, but this visitor is not a lady I have the power to send away. She asked for you specifically.”

A sense of doom crashed over his previous good mood. There was only one lady Holland had ever failed to banish before. If Aunt Penelope was here, then there was no way to prevent scandal from blackening Arabella’s name. He was too late to appeal to Rutherford. He took a deep breath. “My aunt?”

Holland inclined his head to confirm it. “She requested to see you first and then to have Lady Farnsworth join her at her earliest convenience. I’ve arranged a tea tray to be sent into the drawing room while she waited.”

Aunt Penelope would interfere. He could feel his lips peeling back from his teeth at the snarl of anger building in him.

“Oh dear.” Arabella fretted and then hurried around the room, frantically picking up her discarded nightgown. “I am not prepared for her at all.”

Merrick quickly shut the door in Holland’s face and pressed his head to the wood. He couldn’t let Aunt Penelope influence Arabella now. He hadn’t had enough time to convince her that their affair, and his love, was worth the risk of reconsidering her opinion on marriage but now he had no choice but to make his intentions very clear.

He crossed to Arabella’s side and knelt at her feet. He had little time to plead his case before all hope was lost. “Marry me.”

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

The nightgown tumbled from her fingers in the sudden silence. “I beg your pardon?”

Rothwell caught her hand and pressed it to his lips. “I asked you to marry me.”

Arabella’s mind ran in all directions at once, but none of them led to a suitable reply. She was pleased to know her suspicions were true. He was on the hunt for a bride, but he surely hadn’t been courting her. One brief affair, a few nights in a rogue’s bed, for a widow did not immediately result in an offer of marriage. And with his aunt waiting downstairs, one of the most frightening members of the ton, now was hardly the time to consider such an offer properly.

She tugged her hand free of his grip, but Merrick’s intense expression stirred a long dormant need deep inside. Arabella might have been married before, but this was her first proposal. She wasn’t even dressed for such an important occasion.

She searched Merrick’s face and he met her gaze steadily. He was serious about the proposal, but it was all too sudden for Arabella. Everything about him had taken her by surprise. Despite her conversation yesterday with Grayling, she was no closer to knowing how she felt about Merrick. She liked him. She liked the way he made her feel safe and attractive. But what she wasn’t sure about was what loving him might feel like. “I cannot think now. Your aunt is here and I need time.”