“I see.” He smiled mischievously. “Did you think I had no kindness in me at all?”
“That is not what I meant.”
“You suspected it though. You knew me to be a rake so thought I was cruel to everyone?”
“I did not think that… not exactly, anyway,” she said, prompting him to smile with a kind of despair and shake his head. “I apologize. What I merely meant was it is heartwarming to see the way you care for your sister.” Her words must have brought him up short, for he immediately stopped shaking his head and stared at her. “I like your sister, Your Grace. I certainly do not wish to see her hurt by what thetoncan do. So, tell me if you will, what exactly is this plan of yours you have to keep her safe?”
“It is a simple one.” He stepped forward, with a look of determination on his face. “It will require dedication to our ruse, complete devotion. Oh, and you’ll have to appear besotted with me too. So not too difficult then.” He winked at her, toying with her once more.
“That would be the most difficult part, I am sure,” she teased, watching as he smiled. “You still have not explained yourself. What do you wish us to do?”
“I wish us topretendwe are to marry.”