He should have, but he dreaded her response. I’m marrying Heinrich, and you’ve got a cheek even speaking of such things as love to me.

“You do not need to say anything. I only wished to express my feelings to you. It was intolerable that you go away without knowing that you inspired such emotions in another.”

“And I do not get to express my feelings for you?” Her hand tightened on his arm, giving him a little shake. “You’ve made several assumptions, and I feel I must set you straight. First, I am not going to marry Duke Heinrich von Lowe. As much as I regard him as a friend, I cannot possibly marry him when I am in love with someone else.”

Daniel could not have moved if the room had caught fire. She was not betrothed to Heinrich. And she was in love.

With a parched mouth, he asked, “And who is the recipient of your love, if I may be so bold as to ask?”

“For a detective, you can be particularly obtuse at times.” Her smile melted the ice that had sprung up around his heart. “I happen to love one Daniel Swann, Bow Street runner and budding agent for the Crown.”

An odd flipping, sinking, soaring sensation gripped him.

“But … I’m nobody. You know my beginnings. You know I’m a mere police officer. There can be no future for us together unless I win—” He broke off. He could not talk about the pending petition, on Haverly’s orders. And he was loath to in any case. He did not want her to choose him based upon his supposed inheritance and title. If she were to choose him, it must be for the man he was.

Her face softened, a warm light in her dark eyes. “I know you to be kind, intelligent, brave, and caring. Is that not enough for any man to win a girl’s heart?”

She closed the few inches between them, and his arms went around her, crushing her to his chest. “Are you certain? My heart is yours for the asking, but what of your family? What of society?”

“I am certain, Daniel. I love you, and we’ll sort out my family later.”

It was enough for that moment. He bent his head, his lips finding hers. This kiss, given with love and promise, was even better than their first, and he savored every moment. She fit perfectly into his arms, and he dropped his hat to the floor to spread his hands on her back, tightening his embrace.