Page 136 of The Duke's Sinful Deal
Maxwell did not answer immediately. The carriage turned again, the road smoothing beneath them as they approached their destination.
“By stating our position plainly,” he said at last. “In a manner that does not invite interpretation.”
Arabella watched him, curiosity giving way to something warmer, more certain. “You intend to make a declaration.”
“I intend to make it clear that what exists between us is not subject to speculation.”
“And how does one accomplish that without inviting more of it?”
Maxwell’s mouth shifted slightly. “By ensuring it no longer matters.”
She studied him for another moment. Then something settled into place.
“A renewal,” she said.
“Yes.”
The word did not need more than that.
“For our benefit,” he continued, “as much as anyone else’s. It would formalize what has already been decided, whether it has been acknowledged or not.”
Arabella exhaled slowly, her fingers stilling against her glove.
“And you believe this necessary?”
“I believe it appropriate.”
There was no pressure in it. No expectation.
Arabella leaned back slightly, her gaze drifting toward the window before returning to him. “I had not considered it,” she admitted. “Though I suppose I should have.”
“It is not required,” he said.
“No,” she agreed. “But that is not the question.”
The carriage began to slow again. The house came into view beyond the trees.
Arabella’s expression shifted then—lighter now, free of calculation.
“I think I would like that,” she said.
Maxwell studied her. “You are certain.”
“Yes.” The answer came without delay. “Not because of what anyone else may think. But because I would rather not allow them to think anything at all.”
A faint smile touched his mouth.
“That is a compelling argument.”
“I thought you might find it so.”
The carriage came to a stop.
For a moment, neither moved. The quiet settled between them again—but differently now. Not empty. Not uncertain.
Steady.
Maxwell reached for the door, opening it before the footman could. He stepped down, then turned back, offering his hand as he always did.
