between the two of them.
Christa placed her other hand on top of his. “Nell, I’m talking about when you kiss a man and there’s no beginning or end. No stopping. No starting. It’s everything, meaning everything you’ve ever wanted or hoped for in your life. You become one with the other person.”
Harry smiled at the woman beside him. “Lady Whitton, I will not jeopardize your sister’s reputation or her future. I’d beg of you to give me permission to ask for her hand in marriage.”
Nell swiftly sat on the sofa as if she’d been hit in the chest. Her hand flew to her forehead. “Absolutely not. She’s to wed the Marquess—”
“No, I’m not.” Christa’s voice was as sharp as newly forged steel. “That’s what you want. I’ve seen what marrying for money does to a person, particularly when it’s for the wrong reason. I will not allow it to happen to me.”
“Give me a chance to discuss this with Mr. Knollwood and Mr. Richardson. We’ll find a way to avert this crisis.” Nell softened her voice. “Christa, I’ll not see you ruined because of one mistake.”
Without a word, Christa nodded, and with the bearing of a lady of quality, she strolled to the door. With her hand on the door handle she turned to face them with such force that the skirts of her gown wrapped around her legs, locking her in place. “You’re the one who’s ruined, Nell. Not I. You’ve ruined yourself by not living your life for yourself but for others. I’ll not allow that to happen to me. I’ll not waste my life. You can find me in the library.”
When the door clicked closed, Nell buried her head in her hands. “This is all my fault.”
“I take full blame.” Harry returned to his seat. “If you’ll allow me to explain, Lady Whitton. I met Christa last Christmas at a holiday party in London.” He looked toward the door and smiled sheepishly. “It was as if we were old friends. As soon as I met her, I knew she was the one.” He looked to James, then returned his gaze to Nell. “That’s why I stayed in the city over spring. Christa and I attended the same events. When she told me she was traveling to Whitton Priory, I came back here. I told her I was going to call on her when she arrived at your home. Then, like a gift falling from the sky, she appeared here today.”
Nell shook her head so vehemently, James feared she’d become dizzy. “But she knew that Lord Mounthaven wanted to court her. I arranged it personally.”
James lifted a brow the same time that Harry did.
“Did anyone ask your sister what she wanted?” James asked. When Nell’s gaze shot to his, he continued, “My lady, your sister obviously knows her own heart. I’ve discovered that’s a very admirable trait.”
“Don’t, please.” She left out a soulful sigh. “This is Christa’s future we’re discussing.”
Harry clasped his hands as he studied the floor for a moment. Slowly, he lifted his gaze to James, who nodded in permission for Harry to discuss their confidential business. “I’m going to be James’s land steward, perhaps his estate manager, when he inherits the dukedom. I’m about to serve as an assistant to the duke’s steward, who will retire in approximately five years. I have other offers of employment as well.”
Nell lifted her gaze to Harry’s. “Does my sister realize how her circumstances will be reduced?”
James hissed under his breath. Money. It always came down to money for Nell. He’d be damned before he’d let Harry’s lack of wealth keep the couple apart. His cousin was obviously head over heels in love with the woman.
“Harry, I think it prudent if you see how Miss Ellison is faring. Will you ask Her Grace to accompany you? I need to have a conversation with Lady Whitton.” Nell was about to protest, but James held up his hand. “It’ll be all right. My aunt is probably standing guard outside the library as we speak.”
Harry nodded his farewell to Nell then looked at James with a pleading look in his eye. When the door closed, he finished his brandy then regarded her. “Another drink?”
She shook her head.
“If we’re to find a way out of this mess, I think the time has come to lance the wound that has festered between us.”
Chapter Five
“James, this isn’t about us,” Nell delicately pointed out. “This is about my sister, her reputation, and her future.” She concealed