“What should I do?” He indeed sounded lost.
And she loved him even more. Fanny pressed her lips together. “Solve this case, William, and spend all your available time with your mother. She’ll appreciate that and so will you.”
A shuddering sigh issued from him. “Do you have answers for everything?”
“No, I’m merely trying to relieve your mind and lighten your load.” What was between them could wait. When she attempted to release his hand, he hung on.
“I have to confess something you might not like.”
“Oh?” The muscles in her stomach tightened. “What is it?”
“I spoke with Lord Wainwright two days ago.” His eyes reflected sadness. “Threatened him within an inch of his life. Told him he would marry you for love or not at all.”
Her lower jaw dropped open. Shock pinwheeled through her chest. “Why the devil would you do that?” He had no right to muck about in her affairs or even try to force her hand!
“I want you taken care of, I want you safe and secure, and with him, you will be. Plus, you’ll have a title. You’ll be happy.”
Did he truly think she’d find that away from him? It was time to tell him the truth. “I don’t want a bloody title, William. I want you, you great nodcock!” Her words echoed in the sudden silence of the room. It was the closest she’d come to declaring her feelings, and it felt quite… freeing.
His eyes rounded. “Oh.” Hope glimmered in those blue-gray depths for a few seconds before fading beneath anxiety once more. “Then it seems my anticipation of your needs was ill-advised based on this new information.”
“Oh, you silly, frustrating, adorable man.” Feeling ten pounds lighter than she had when she arrived at his townhouse, Fanny leaned into him and kissed his cheek. “You are a great detective, but you can’t see what’s right in front of your nose, or even in your heart.” She rose to her feet and gently dislodged his hand from hers. “I’m going home and let you think upon things. Hopefully you’ll figure out what you want.” When she smiled, he did too. “However, I hope you’ll dance with me tomorrow night, perhaps after you’ve come to a decision.” There was no doubt in her mind he was halfway in love with her, but he hadn’t realized it for himself yet.
“Francesca?”
“Yes?” She glanced over her shoulder on her way to the door.
“Please be careful and stay safe. I…” His Adam’s apple bobbed with a hard swallow. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“I promise you won’t.” And it was one she could honestly keep. As soon as she arrived home, she would send a note to the viscount and refuse his proposal before he had the chance to issue it.
The time for games was over, for she knew exactly what she wanted.