Free Silent Deception by Cathie Dunn Page A

sombre, he nodded. “I guess so. I’d–mistakenly–hoped she’d have found another man by now, one who’d marry her.”
    Minnie straightened, trying to wriggle out of his embrace, to no avail. “She wanted to marry you…and you didn’t?” He was a rake after all. She closed her eyes as tears threatened to burst to the surface, misery suffusing her.
    “I made it clear from the start that I’m not interested in marriage. After almost a year, I suspected she’d wanted just that, so I ended it.”
    “The gallant knight.”
    “No. Not at all.” The cynical tone made her look at him. Sadness clouded his face. And guilt, perhaps? He deserved it.
    I’m not interested in marriage. His blunt statement hurt.
    “As I’m recovered now, you can let me go. I wish to go home. If you could send the papers and diary this afternoon, I’ll write a letter to the papers.”
    “No.” He didn’t move.
    “No?” Who did he think he was?
    “No, I won’t send you the papers today; and no, I won’t let you go, Miss Goodridge .”
    Impatience nagged her. “We can hardly sit here all afternoon.”
    “Why not?” He smiled. “We have much to talk about.”
    Minnie shook her head. “I can’t think of anything I’d wish to discuss with you. The truth will be revealed and–“
    “Marry me, Minnie.”
    She shook her head again. The ride must have affected her hearing. “I must go.”
    His thumb stroked her cheek, turning her to face him. “I mean it. Marry me.”
    “I can’t!” Why couldn’t he see?
    “Why ever not? Admittedly, we barely know each other, yet we already have a strong bond.”
    A strong bond? “It’s impossible. You’re an earl and I’m…”
    “A beautiful woman I want to spend my life with.”
    Her mouth went dry. “You have a mistress.” She’d never be able to share the man she loved. She’d rather not marry.
    “I told you I finished with her three months ago. It was final.”
    “But...you said you’re not interested in marriage.” Her voice hiccuped. He was teasing her, surely.
    “Past tense. I did indeed say I wasn’t interested.” His gaze met hers. “I am now.”
    “It’s...” Her vision blurred as she ran out of excuses, and Gideon gently wiped away the tears.
    “You can’t deny it.” His lips caressed her forehead. “We’re meant to be together.”
    “Meant to be? Because of this story we uncovered?”
    “No, silly.” His kiss was soft, gentle, making her lips tingle. “Because I’ve fallen in love with you.” His mouth covered hers again.
    Her heart leapt into her throat. He loved her? A wave of happiness engulfed her.
    “And I have a sneaking suspicion you return my feelings.”
    Heat flooded her cheeks.
    Gideon smiled. “I knew it.”
    He lowered his head for another kiss as Minnie’s heart sang.
     

Chapter Nine
     
    Gideon knocked briefly, before he entered the parlor at Trekellis Manor two days later. “Good morning, sweetheart.”
    “Good morning.” A becoming flush graced Minnie’s cheeks as she beamed at him. A simple, cream gown with ruched sleeves contrasted enticingly with the dark hair she wore loosely tied back. His heartbeat roared to life at the sight. For once in his life, he did the right thing.
    He waved her to remain seated when she rose from the settee. “Stay, darling. I’ve a surprise for you.”
    Her eyes widened. “A surprise? First, you disappear on a mysterious errand, and then you return with a surprise?”
    Sitting down next to her, he pulled the leather bound bundle from under his arm. “Yes, dearest. I apologize for my absence. It won’t happen again.” He grinned, relieved at the twinkling in her eyes.
    “No?” She was teasing him.
    With a flourish, he planted a kiss on the tip of her nose. “No.”
    Gideon leaned back. “After ensuring Emmaline enjoyed a quiet night at Eaton Hall before her return journey to London whilst I sampled the warm hospitality of the Deer’s Head, I also had an important meeting