“Would you swear to never play the army officer, in any way, with me or mine?”

He smiled. “You have my word as a gentleman. Should I ever forget, I am sure you will remind me of this moment.”

“You can be sure of that. I also never again want to worry about making my own way should I need to.”

“Part of your inheritance is in trust, and I cannot touch it. If you sell the partnership, that money can be added to it. A husband has certain rights to the use of his wife’s property, but not the capital that is in trust. Sanders will explain all of that when you meet with him, should you decide to marry anyone. As to the income, we will declare it yours to use as you wish in our settlement.”

“Would you allow me to continue my inquiries? I truly enjoy them, and do not want to stop.”

“We will be together in that, as in everything.”

Did she trust him to keep that promise, or would he try to force her to stop if she ever was hurt again? Sending him to speak with the men did not mean it would never happen. Women can hit someone over the head too. She had proven that, hadn’t she?

He said nothing to press her for a decision. He had the good sense to remain quiet. That was another thing she liked about him. He did not demand she share her thinking. He did not argue against her emotions.

“There is much to recommend this,” she said. “I might well get with child, for example. I would rather not be making such a decision due to that happening.”

“That is an excellent point.”

“One you neglected to make.”

“I was sure you have been aware of that possibility already.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “I suppose I will have repeated contact with that family of yours, no matter what I do. Your aunts will want to inspect me, in the least, since they think I all but stole from them. It would be useful if you were standing between them and me, to take the heavy fire.”

“I promise to protect you from them. Heroically.”

“I will admit I am of more than half a mind to be brave again,” she said. “Love has me thinking that way. I only see one serious problem.”

“What is that?”

“I’m not sure that I can live with someone who makes lists all the time.”

He laughed. “I promise you will never see me write one.”

“Then take me to bed, and while we are together propose to me if you want to, and let us see what I say.”