Page 41 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

“You are ridiculous.”

He drew near and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“And you are the only woman I have ever considered marrying. I sincerely believe we would do well together, Trinity.”

“A marriage of convenience?” She puzzled her brow, a hint of sadness in her eyes. “Is that what you are suggesting?”

“I hope we can make it something more, even if that is how it begins.” No sense in pretending he was madly in love with her. Devin desired her. She intrigued him, but love was not part of the equation.

Her expression inscrutable, she gazed past him. “I never thought to marry, so you will understand why the notion of a marriage of convenience never crossed my mind.”

“I know it is not ideal, but by marrying me, you are assured safety in Morocco. You can travel with me if you like, or if you prefer, you can stay at one of my houses in England.”

She gave him a side-eyed glance, skepticism radiating from her. “You have more than one house?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Four, in point of fact. Although my mother is currently in residence at the Essex estate.”

Putting a hand to her forehead, she drew in a long breath. “It is such a permanent solution to a temporary problem. One, I cannot help but think, that we would come to regret.”

“There are no guarantees in life.” Devin shrugged and widened his stance as the ship pitched again, this time more violently.

“In truth, Trinity, I think arranged marriages have advantages. There are no false expectations. No misunderstandings. No misplaced hopes and dreams. Fewer disappointments. If the union turns out better than anticipated, that is a blessing.”

His parents had married for love, but that had not assured their happiness.

Clasping her hands, she studied his features.

“What if we discover we cannot abide one another, Devin? Annulments are nearly impossible to attain. You would be shackled to me, and I with you, for the rest of our lives.”

She raised a shoulder. “That bears consideration. A whim, or whatever this is, probably is not the wisest course.”

“It is a risk I am willing to take. With you, Trinity. Only you.”

He drew near and touched her petal-soft cheek, then kissed her forehead. He wanted to take care of her, to take her as his wife.

Like a coward, he had fled England believing wedlock was not in his near future, and here he was, trying to persuade this most remarkable of women to accept his suit.

“If the day comes and you want to leave, Trinity, I shall not stop you. I would provide you with a generous allowance. You shall never want for anything.”

Did he hear himself?

He sounded like a man in love.

Which, of course, was ludicrous.

“The risk is greater for me.” Wariness colored every word. “You could choose to put me aside.”

Was she considering his proposal?

“I shall write a contract with terms you specify and have Captain Breckett, Mr. Alderton, and Sir Godfrey act as witnesses.”

She wrinkled her nose. “I do not relish others knowing my business.”

“The terms would remain private. They would only assign their signatures to the last page.”

“May I have until morning to think about it?”

Her blue-eyed gaze, wide and uncertain, searched his face. “It is a huge, life-altering decision.” She bit her lower lip. “I wish we had more time. Marriage is not something to be rushed into.”

“I know.” Devin kissed her forehead again. “Let me check with Captain Breckett. The wedding must take place in international waters for him to have jurisdiction to perform the ceremony.”

It might be too late already, and then what would they do?

Marry in Casablanca?

“I shall speak with him now and return as soon as possible.” He scanned his gaze over Mrs. Peagilly’s satchel. “Unless you wish me to stay and help go through Mrs. Peagilly’s papers.”

“No, go.” Trinity fashioned a nascent smile. “I need time alone, please.”