He turned his head for a moment, searching her face, before staring ahead again. “You said that you loved me.”

“And sometimes love isn’t enough. You were right all along, Your Grace. There’s more to marriage than love. And love doesn’t conquer all difficulties. I do have moonbeams in my eyes and fairy tales in my head. I’ve never been a part of your privileged world. I’m not a suitable duchess.”

“And I’m not suited to the role of duke. But I’m learning. I’m making up for past mistakes. We’ll learn together. We’ll support each other.”

“You were born to the role. It’s in your blood. You turned away from it and now you’ve returned and society welcomed you back with open arms.”

“Society might welcome you, as well, Viola. I’ve seen the way you make everyone around you want to please you, to be better for you.”

“It’s not that I don’t think I’m good enough, or that you’re better than me because you have a title. We live in two different worlds. You’re talking about taking your rightful place in society. Restoring Westbury Abbey to its former splendor. You speak of rehabilitating the Westbury family name. And all of these things should be done.”

“Then we’re in agreement.”

“They should be done, but I won’t help your cause. I’m not the perfect duchess. I could never even have made your list. I’m being rational and making plans with my head, and not my heart. Marriage is a business arrangement. You’ve found your business partner in Lady Winifred. But please endeavor to ask for her hand in a more romantic manner than you just employed,” she said severely.

“But what about last night?”

“What about it? It’s as you said, I was drunk on gambling, on the thrill and excitement of it. I had a little money in my reticule, and a fancy new gown, and I became a different person for one night. And one night only.”

West took his eyes off the road for a moment to soak in a quick view of her lovely profile. “I’m fairly sure that was the real you last night, Viola. You were magnificent.”

“I’m a spinster.”

“Hardly.”

“And I’ll remain a spinster. Once again, I don’t accept your proposal.”

“You will.” He would make her accept him, just as soon as he dealt with Laxton. He had too much to live for now. He wouldn’t allow that miscreant to sink a bullet in him.

“I won’t. But let’s not beleaguer this argument, Your Grace. We must present a united front, for Belinda’s sake.”

“Back to Your Grace?”

“I’m attempting to keep my head clear, my heart armored, and my spirits high. Our goal is to rescue Belinda and return her, unharmed, to your family.”