He howled in laughter. Not the response she was expecting.

“That makes it even more perfect!” He had a wide grin on his face, and if he weren’t currently irking her so much, she’d find herself smiling back, his smile was that infectious. “So when we break things off, it will be entirely understandable.”

Hmph. She didn’t like the thought of being used for her unacceptability, but if it meant he would help her . . .

Damn it.

“Pardon me,” he said, folding his arms over his chest. He spoke in a serious tone, markedly different from how he’d just sounded. “I mean to say I would very much appreciate it if you could do me a good turn, and I would endeavor to do you one as well.” He spread his hands out as he continued. “You can be returned to Society, and perhaps you can find yourself a husband, after you have convinced all those fine people of how you’re truly not that bad. I am very persuasive, as you can tell,” he added with a wink. “Consider it my continued rescue of your fair person.”

She didn’t want any of that, although being accepted back into Society would help her sisters, at least. She definitely did not want a husband, but that wasn’t any of his business. What she did want was his help, and she was fairly certain he wouldn’t assist her with finding Mr. Wattings if she didn’t assist him with this.

He gazed at her, one brow raised as he awaited her response. One corner of his mouth lifted as though aware she had no choice, not if she wanted his help.

“I accept,” she said. “With a few stipulations.”

“Name them.” His tone was confident, as though there was nothing she could say that would make him change his mind.

“You might have me as a pretend betrothed, but I will not be told what to do, what to wear, or how to behave.”

The brow rose higher.

“Not that I am going to behave improperly, of course,” she added hastily. She would definitely have to restrain herself around him, for example. “I am a duke’s daughter, I am cognizant of what is acceptable. But you have to promise you will allow me to make my own decisions at any time.” She felt the tightness at the thought of being controlled again rise in her chest, and she had to take a deep breath to push it away.

“It’s not usual to make this kind of request. I suppose you don’t want to tell me why?”

Della gave a vehement shake of her head. “No, I do not. It has nothing to do with our bargain. And I do promise I will behave faultlessly and hold up the facade that we are truly betrothed.”

He shrugged. “I have no intention of forcing you to do anything, so I agree.”