Here lies Viola, Duchess of Westbury, who brought music, love, and laughter into the world and taught the sun how to shine with her smile.

She turned to him, tears filling her eyes. “Oh, West.”

“You told me to propose properly this time. How did I do? Is it memorable enough?”

“It’s . . . perfect.”

“You told me that I must become acquainted with the woman I court before proposing. I’d like to submit, for the record, that I have. I know you, Viola. I know that your eyes are a new-fern color of green that makes me believe in the possibility of a new life. I know that you like to slather your toast with butter, read Gothic romances, and compose sonatas of a rainy afternoon. I know that you are kind, and giving, and you bring out the best in everyone around you. I know that you look stunning in scarlet velvet, and even more beautiful in nothing but bedsheets.”

“What about poor Lady Winifred?” Viola sniffled.

“There’s nothing poor about her. She’s wealthy, attractive, and much sought-after. I don’t think she formed any real attachment to me. She’s never given me any indication of being anything other than complacent and obedient to her mother’s wishes.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I never gave her false expectations and I never showed her more attention than any of the other ladies. I was too wrapped up in you. I lived for so long in the darkness, but this new man standing before you believes in love with a capital V for Viola. You hold my heart in your hands. If you refuse me my life will be like summer with no sunshine. An orchestra with no conductor. I want to grow old with you. I love you, Viola Beaton. Most desperately. Will you be buried next to me?”

She smiled through a veil of tears. “Yes, West. I’m yours. I have been since the moment I first saw you. But don’t be too conceited about that. I’m still thinking of the perfect cutting insult and may deliver it when you least expect it.”

“I look forward to it.” He gathered her into his arms and brushed away her tears before claiming her mouth in a searing, heart-pounding kiss.

When she could breathe again, she placed her hand along his angular jaw. “I was a woman who put everyone’s needs before my own. I didn’t know how else to exist. And I was happy, in a way. I was content with my place behind the scenes. But you made me want more.”

“Oh, I’ll give you more. Come.” He took her hand. “I still have something to show you in my bedchamber. And it’s not the bed. I promise that what I want you to see has nothing to do with fornication.”

She’d rather been hoping it might have everything to do with fornication.