“There’s something sensitive that I must discuss with you and don’t wish us to be overheard. I’ll open the door in a minute.”
She nodded. “You look so serious. Is something wrong?”
He raked a hand through his hair. “This is most awkward, and I hope you will not take offense by what I am about to ask you.”
She clasped her hands together, suddenly worried she’d done something to irritate him. They were still standing together, he looking as magnificently rugged as ever. “Do you no longer wish to see me? Because I’ll understand if you’d rather not. You’ve been kind to me, Ronan. The last thing I wish to do is cause you further embarrassment.”
He stared at her in obvious surprise. “Dahlia, you are not an embarrassment to me. Why ever would you think that? What I am about to ask...well, it is about you and me, but not in the way you think.” His hand raked through his hair again. “I’d like us to see each other on a far more regular basis. I’d like for us to be noticed as a couple.”
“A couple?” Her heart fluttered. Was it possible he wanted to court her? Then why did he look so perplexed about it? “I’m not sure I understand.”
He groaned. “Because I’m making a complete mess of this explanation. Let me start at the beginning. Do you recall the discussion we had about Lady Melinda and how the gossip rags are reporting that she and I are being seen around town together?”
She nodded.
Oh, she knew it! He was going to tell her the two of them were in love and had been going about in secret this whole time despite her father’s disapproval. Ronan loved Lady Melinda, and she loved him and–
“Those gossip rags are still spewing those lies, and now the Lord Admiral is worried her father will convince the other members of the House of Lords to slash our navy budget in order to punish me on the mistaken belief I am courting his daughter against his wishes. Of course that petty action will hurt the entire Royal Navy. We cannot allow it to happen.”
“Would he really do something so hurtful?”
Ronan shook his head. “I sincerely hope not, but it is quite possible. The Lord Admiral is very concerned. He is going to try to talk sense into father and daughter, but we doubt it will work. Lady Melinda won’t stop planting those fake gossip items in the rags until her marquess offers for her hand.”
“Surely her father knows this.”
“Perhaps, but Lady Melinda and I have a history.”
“You do?”
“Not much of one, I assure you. But the longer the gossip lingers, the more suspicious her father will become. It’s already happening. He must have said something to the Lord Admiral to send him into a fit.”
“What exactly is your history with Lady Melinda? I know you do not wish to discuss it, but if I am to consider helping you, then I must be aware of what is going on.”
“Very well, I’ll tell you.” He motioned for her to take a seat, but she sensed their meeting might come to an abrupt halt over this discussion and preferred to remain standing. Ronan did not appear pleased but continued. “She was hoping to make more out of our friendship at one time. I escorted her to several parties. The duke noticed and quickly put an end to it.”
“So, there was something between the two of you.”
“No, not on my part. I quickly saw she was not right for me. However, the possibility that she wants me and not the marquess has to be stuck in the back of her father’s mind. The longer her game goes on, the more suspicious he becomes.”
“What if her desire for the marquess is a ruse, and you are really the one she wants?” Dahlia realized this book was already working its magic for Ronan. He was about to get the duke’s daughter to marry him after all.
Of course, he’d have to hide the fact until after the vote.
But once the vote was behind them?
“I don’t think so, Dahlia. Honestly, I don’t know.”
“Would it be so terrible if she did want you? This is your chance to marry into a higher circle. She is the duke’s only child, isn’t she? He will never disown her. And once you are married, he will do all in his power to support you because he loves his daughter and will want to keep her happy.”
“She is pampered. Spoiled. Headstrong. Absorbed in her own comforts rather than of those less fortunate. She is not a terrible person, mind you. But as I said, she just isn’t right for me.”
“She is beautiful and wealthy.”
“So? This might make her desirable to most men, I suppose. But not for me. Why are you pushing me toward her? I’m not interested, nor will I allow her to destroy all I’ve worked for to indulge her game. The Lord Admiral has asked me to find a young lady to court. Someone beautiful, intelligent, and of good upbringing, because it has to be convincing.”
Dahlia nibbled her lip. “Oh, I see. And this is why you are here tonight. You want me to help you come up with a name?”
He laughed softly. “I have the name.”
It was her turn to appear surprised. “You do? Then what do you need me for?”
“Lord, are you purposely being dense? You are the name.”
“Me?” He had to be in jest. “Do be serious. Shall I call in Heather and Violet? If we all put our heads together, we might be able to find you someone suitable.”
He took her hand to stop her when she turned toward the door. “Dahlia, I meant what I said. You are the one. I am choosing you.”
Her heart shot into her throat. “Are you mad? Do you hear yourself? Of all the young ladies in London, I am the worst choice possible.”
“Why?” He still had hold of her hand, his touch sending tingles shooting through her body.
“I am a laughingstock. Gerald humiliated me and dumped me. All of London must be aware of this by now. How will Lady Melinda’s father ever believe you? I doubt even the local rat catcher will believe I am the object of your fascination.”
“Why is it so improbable? You and I get on well, don’t we? You are beautiful and clever. I always feel comfortable around you. I like your liveliness and wit.”
She tried to ease her hand out of his grasp, but he would not let go. He’d been holding it gently, and she hadn’t been tugging very hard. She supposed he would have released her if she’d persisted. She sighed and cast him a stern look. “Indeed, you are mad. I have been an insufferable watering pot for the last two days. I cry and grumble and mope.”
“I’ve known you for several months now. You did not cry, grumble, or mope before that weasel Wainscott crushed your soul. I liked that happier Dahlia very much.” He finally released her and stepped away to casually lean his hip against Romulus’s desk. He folded his arms across his chest, another casual gesture, but it only brought attention to how muscled he was. Now, she was tingling again.
He continued, unaware of the effect he was having on her. “I even like the crying, moping version of you. Let me put this another way. I won’t accept to do this with anyone but you.”
She sank into one of the overstuffed chairs and emitted a long, ragged breath. “I repeat, you are mad. What will happen if I refuse you?”
“The House of Lords will likely decline most of our funding requests. In turn, the Lord Admiral will strip me of my rank and assign me to swabbing decks on a scow for the duration of my commission.”