An Elaborate Hoax (A Gentlemen of Worth Book 5) (22 page)

Love?
His admission shocked her. She, too, had found him agreeable, and was halfway certain she loved him, but to announce it before others. It was such a private thing. Apparently not when one’s grandmother was the first to point it out.

“I have no right to ask you . . . I would have preferred this discussion to take place somewhere of my own choosing, someplace more romantic, perhaps? But as you can see, I am compelled to
get on with it
. To be honest, I must agree with my grandmother. Penny, your presence is the best and most fortunate occurrence in my sad and lonely life.”

Sad and lonely, indeed
. Penny remained quiet.

“I would like nothing better than to marry you, if you will have me.” His joy was evident in his voice. “We could spend our mornings gazing across the breakfast table at each other. Our afternoons would be filled with walks in the gardens, where I would not give a fig if the servants listened or spied our stolen kisses.”

This made Penny smile. How could he say such things?

“And we will spend every evening together. I will read to you—”

She loved to hear him read.

“For hours and hours, whatever book you choose for us.”

“For us?” Penny looked up at him. She thought he hated books.

“Yes, us, my darling.” David held his hand out to Penny. “We can travel the country, visit London, and winter at the Willows. What do you say?”

Penny loved him, she had to admit. She did love him, and it seemed he loved her as well. How could she not be happy?

“How do you expect to marry a woman to whom you’re already known to be married?” Penny laid her hand in his, deciding to accept his offer.

“Never worry, my dear.” David placed a kiss upon her hand in his and drew her into his arms. “I will conceive of some plausible plan to explain our predicament to those who think otherwise.”

“Oh, sir, that is exactly what I’m afraid of.” Penny then allowed her future husband to kiss her.

About the Author

S
hirley Marks loves to write entertaining stories about happily ever after. She is the author of seven Regency romances, including the Gentlemen of Worth series, and several contemporary romantic comedies. When she’s not writing, she devotes her time at home to reading, gardening, and her family.