‘You must have known that I would come for you.’

‘I had to get away. I couldn’t bear to stay in London a moment longer.’

He answered her with a kiss that said more than words. ‘We should be together,’ he said softly. ‘I need you with me now and always, my darling.’

She leaned against him with a contented sigh. ‘I know. I feel that way, too.’

‘Then marry me, Kate. We’ll live here, at Warren House, if that makes you happy.’

‘Won’t you get bored with country living?’ Kate smiled, raising her hand to trace the outline of his firm jaw. ‘You led such a different existence in London. How will you fill your days?’

‘I’ll do what I was always meant to do, and I’ll run the estate. I might even buy more land and take up farming. I’ve sold my clubs in London and money will never be a problem from now on. Besides which,’ he added, chuckling, ‘I hope to marry an heiress.’

‘I never wanted to inherit my uncle’s money, but I’ll try to do some good with it.’ Kate gazed up at him, frowning. ‘I know you said you’ll be happy living here, but are you sure you won’t find it dull after a while?’

‘Life with you will never be dull, my darling. I don’t imagine you will sit by the fire with your embroidery. You are a born reformer, Kate, now you have the means to make a difference in the world.’

‘And you don’t mind?’

‘I’d be very surprised if you haven’t thought of a project to help those who are not as fortunate as we are.’

Kate wound her arms around his neck. ‘You know me so well, Harry. I saw what a struggle Ivy had when Ted was sent to prison, and there must be many more women like her who have young families to raise on their own. The house in Finsbury Square would make a wonderful home for dispossessed and desperate women. My mother can make it one of her charities, and all those wealthy ladies who attended the ball last evening will be able to salve their consciences by contributing to such a good cause.’

‘You’ve thought it all through, haven’t you?’

‘It took me a long time to go to sleep last night, but all I wanted was to be with you and live here for ever, Harry. The first time I saw Warren House I knew that I’d come home.’

‘Is that an answer to my question, Kate? I love you with all my heart. Will you marry me?’

She smiled up at him. ‘I love you, too, Harry. Of course I’ll marry you.’

Read on for a sneak peek at Dilly’s brand-new novel …

The first in a spellbinding six-part series set in crumbling Rockwood Castle.