Code of Honor (31 page)

Ashton nodded. "No doubt. Pray, don't worry about a thing." He repressed a little chuckle. "Have a most pleasant — and unexciting — journey."

"Miss Chilton," called Lady Ashton. "I look forward to some very long, comfortable cozes with you. I believe we have much to discuss — I consider myself something of an expert on the matrimonial state."

Ashton rolled his eyes. "I fear, my poor friend, you have no idea what you are getting yourself into."

Branford tightened his arm around Alex. "Oh, but indeed I do, Henry. Indeed I do."

Branford settled his bruised and weary body into the carriage seat with a deep sigh. Next to him, Alex sat silently, her gaze averted out the coach window. Now, with the heat of danger subsided, he felt strangely tentative, unsure of himself. What if she truly didn't wish to.... But he remembered Cecelia's advice and knew he must take courage and plunge on, regardless of the uncertainty.

He cleared his throat. "Alex. We must clarify a few things."

She turned warily towards him.

"First of all, about that damnable bet..."

"I know. Hammerton couldn't resist telling me about it." Her eyes fell to her feet. "How..."

He held his breath, waiting for her to go on.

"How can you ever forgive me for not believing in you," she said in a wavering voice.

He dared to breathe again.

"I mean," she continued, "I thought I understood what I saw in your eyes that — that night, but afterwards you seemed so cool, so distant. It made me think perhaps you regretted what had happened between us. And then you left without so much as a word."

"You never received my letter?"

She shook her head.

His mouth compressed in a tight line. "Hammerton again. I remember now that his carriage was outside the club." He shook his head. "No wonder you thought me the worst sort of blackguard." A deep sigh escaped his lips. "But it is I who should wonder whether you can ever forgive me. I was distant that night because, well, it frightened me that I could care so much for someone else. I had sworn to myself I would never let that happen again."

"It isn't so bad to care, is it? Would you truly have wished not to have loved your cousin? Of course the chance of pain is there. But without it there can be no happiness, or warmth or friendship."

"Just as it isn't so bad to realize you don't have to solve everyone's problems for them — it can be nice to have a shoulder to lean on." His hand stole around hers. "I think you would like Riverton very much, my love. The gardens are magnificent and you can fill the rooms with your wonderful paintings. For you know, I trust, that I would never interfere with your passions — though I should hope they would include me."

She leaned over and kissed him. "Can you doubt it? And I have the first painting ready — your hibiscus."

He returned the kiss. "I hope you shall not make me work quite as hard for all the rest."

They both laughed softly and then Branford gathered her in his arms.

"Alex, my love. My life would be colorless without you. Will you marry me?"

Her heart soared. She stroked her thumb along the line of his jaw. "Yes," she whispered.

He captured her lips before she could say anything more.

"Sebastian, you are hurt. A man in your condition should..." she managed to say a few minutes later.

"A man in my condition needs immediate attention," he murmured as his lips traced a path down the curve of her neck.

"Sebastian! In a carriage?"

"Yes, my love. In a carriage."