“But you didn’t?”

“Godwin and I agreed that it will be sufficient punishment to banish Wymark to Canada for the next ten years, to oversee the earl’s timber and mining properties.”

“Canada! That hardly seems much of a punishment.”

“Perhaps not to a fellow inhabitant of North America, but he’ll be separated from the temptations of London, and who knows? Perhaps this time, it will be the making of him.” Hadrian’s gaze intensified on her. “Besides, I don’t care to be involved in the scandal of a lurid court case at this particular time.”

Her heart lurched at that steady stare. She saw the heat of passion, of course, but something else as well, something profound and spellbinding. Yet despite her penchant to face life head-on, she felt nervous to hear what he might say about their future. If he didn’t love her, then she must leave England—forever.

How strange to think that just a few weeks ago, she had been eager to return to America. Now, it seemed a bleak and colorless prospect to live her life without him.

Setting aside his plate, Hadrian leaned forward in his chair. His lips firmed with a hint of discomfiture. “I owe you an apology, Natalie. It was my fault that Wymark held that gun to you. I oughtn’t have taken my eyes off him, not even for a second.”

“You couldn’t have guessed what he would do. Besides, all’s well that ends well.”

“Thanks to your quick skill with a knife.” He gave a cringing chuckle. “I must say, what you did is every man’s worst nightmare.”

“What I threatened to do,” she corrected. “One can only imagine Lord Godwin’s fury had I actually gelded his heir and denied him a future grandson to continue the male lineage. The nobility cherishes bloodlines and dynasties.”

Hadrian eyed her pensively for a moment before arising from his chair to come down on one knee in front of her. Taking her hand in his, he held on tightly. “I know you dislike our class system, Natalie, and the dukedom I inherited as my birthright. But I hope you can come to appreciate that it’s a valuable component of England’s social order. Hundreds of workers depend on me, servants and tenant farmers and shepherds—even all citizens, considering my lawmaking duties in the House of Lords.” He brought her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed the back. “I can’t change that. Yet, if it were possible, I would abdicate my position for you.”

Stunned, she could only gaze at him in wondering silence. His unwavering stare attested to the sincerity of his words. He would give up everything, his wealth and status, his very uniqueness—for her?

She hardly dared to hope what it might reveal about his feelings for her. He still clasped her fingers, and she put her hand over his. “I would never expect you to do such a thing, Hadrian. The dukedom is an essential part of who you are. Your rank and your background have shaped you into a fine, admirable man.”