Everton didn’t wait for him to change his mind. He jogged across the courtyard and took Diana’s hand in his own. A small side garden bordered the churchyard, and he steered her toward it.

“You let Mr. Broadcreek go?”

“Of course we did. We are reasonable gentlemen.”

“You are?”

“We are, and what’s more, Nate convinced him to never interfere with your company again.”

“He did? How did he do that?”

“By removing his gloves, I believe.”

Diana laughed.

“But I do have some bad news.” Diana’s brows pinched, so he hurried on. “I owe you one hundred and forty pounds, and I am going to have to ask you to not question me about it.” He flexed his hand, still sore from the punch he had landed. “I promise you, it was money well spent.”

She tipped her head to one side, not missing the movement of his hand. “All right.”

“You aren’t going to argue with me about it?”

“Why would I? I know you are one of the wealthiest men in London. I’m guessing I don’t want to know how you came to be in my debt.”

“You probably don’t.”

“After what transpired in Parliament today, I guess we should consider ourselves engaged.”

“I guess we should.”

“No cold feet?”

Everton shook his head. “My feet are decidedly warm.”

Diana threw her hands around his neck.

“Diana.”

“Yes.”

“You might need to remove your arms from about my neck. Anyone could see us.”

Diana raised an eyebrow. “And . . . ?”

“I’m trying to change my ways to prove to London that I’m worthy of you.”

“That might take a while. I’m not sure I am willing to wait.”

“We won’t be rushing to the altar. I need to give you some time to make sure you don’t want to change your mind.”

Diana laughed. “I don’t need time. I know I won’t change my mind.”

Everton pushed back a lock of Diana’s hair that had tumbled out of her bonnet. “I need the time. I need to be certain you will be happy with me.”

“If you need time, I will be patient. But I plan on convincing you as soon as possible.” Diana traced a finger over his swollen nose. “Although, it’s probably a good idea to wait and see how your nose turns out after the swelling goes down.”

Everton laughed. If it weren’t so inappropriate, he would kiss her for that comment. But they were out on the streets of London and only possibly engaged. Nate had not officially approved yet, and Everton wanted to speak to her mother. Not to mention, her brother’s very large fists would be waiting for him if he ever got out of line. “Would you prefer that it healed crooked or straight?”

“I don’t very much care.”

And then, before he could even think to stop her, Diana rose onto her toes and brushed a soft kiss on his lips. Her eyes sparked with mischief when her heels hit the walkway.