A Duke in Time (The Widow Rules #1) - Janna MacGregor Page 0,107
it.’ I didn’t know what they were talking about so I simply stood there. You see, they were shoplifters, and I later discovered that they’d been stealing from the grocer for months.”
“Sweet Jesus,” he whispered. All alone, she would have been at the mercy of the constable. “Did anyone help you?”
“A man named Mr. FitzWilliam came out of his shop. He and his wife owned a local haberdashery. He had seen everything unfold and told the constable that it was the boys and not me.” She shrugged. “It didn’t make any difference. Within the hour, I was hauled in front of the magistrate, convicted, and sentenced to the pillory. I had to repay the grocer for all the stolen goods over the last month.” She leaned her head against his chest as if seeking sanctuary. “I didn’t have a shilling to my name.”
“Sweetheart, I’m sorry.” He rocked her gently.
“Me too,” she answered. “Mr. FitzWilliam appeared and paid my fine, then said if they’d allow it, he’d take me home. Thank God, they let him. From that day forward, I embroidered for him. He helped me design my first linens.” Her tears were slowing, but her nose was red. “I’ve never felt so ashamed and humiliated. People jeered at me as Mr. FitzWilliam took me to his shop. He explained to his wife what had happened, and they fed me and had me stay with them until Willa returned.”
His heart hurt for all she suffered. A young girl grieving the loss of her mother, then dealing with the terror of being falsely accused.
She took a deep breath, then turned her face up to his. “That’s why I can’t marry you.” She shook her head. “But please don’t say a word to anyone.”
“I promise I won’t.” He ran a finger down her long neck. “If I could find those people, I’d put them all in the pillory.”
“I’d like to see that.” She chuckled briefly, then turned serious. Her brow furrowed in pain. “Do you know that to this day, I can’t eat an apple without retching? I hate the sight of them.”
“They’ll never be served at our tables. I promise you that.”
“But don’t you see? It’ll never work. The church will never allow us. You’ll be mocked and your reputation ruined if you associate with me,” she argued.
“Don’t worry about the church. I promise we’ll be able to marry. What’s important is right inside here.” He pointed his finger to the middle of her chest. “This is what makes you who you are. I see a woman of the highest integrity who I love with everything I am. And do you know what’s amazing?”
She swallowed, then shook her head.
“She loves me in return. I know when something rare and precious is in front of me, Kat. It’s you.” He dipped his head and pressed another gentle kiss to her sweet mouth. “Marry me,” he softly pleaded.
“What if someone finds out about York?” The yearning in her gaze gave him hope.
“We’ll deal with it then. But I don’t care. Do you believe me?”
She nodded hesitantly. The fringe of her spiked lashes rested against her cheeks. Slowly, she opened her eyes, revealing an unfathomable depth he’d never seen before.
“Please say yes.” He had no idea how she was going to answer. With the silence surrounding him, Christian couldn’t breathe as he waited for her response.
“Christian … I will marry you.”
He exhaled all his apprehension and pulled her tightly against him. “You will never regret it. I promise.”
“I only hope you won’t,” she murmured.
“Never.” He tilted her chin an inch. With infinite slowness, he lowered his lips to hers. He poured everything that he was and would be in the future into their kiss. Each second that passed was a promise he’d put her first in his life always. The same for any children that came from their marriage. He would give her that dream of a marriage and a happy life. More importantly, if it was within his power, she would never have to worry about the past again.
* * *
They didn’t tarry at Katherine’s shop. After they dressed, they quickly made their way to her home to speak with Constance.
It was such a whirlwind. On the carriage ride over, not a minute seemed to go by without Christian leaning over for a kiss. Of course, Kat returned the gesture with one of her own. She was bursting with happiness. Christian loved her, and they would marry even after she’d told him the truth.