His expression was so full of emotion that she could scarcely bear to meet his eyes.
“I realise that I have probably left this too late,” he began, “but if I do not tell you now, then I may never have another chance.”
“What is it?” she asked softly. “You know I am to be married on Saturday.”
“I know, and that is why I have made haste to find you today. Lucia, the truth is that I love you. When I was in Austria, I could do nothing but think of you and, then, I read the announcement and realised that I had probably lost my chance.
“I never intended to hold your stepfather to our bargain. It was a careless remark that he took far too seriously and then it seemed fun to continue the charade and to have you at the Manor as my secretary. I would never marry a woman against her will. What mus
