“That is what would make you a perfect duchess,” Helena said firmly.
“I agree,” said Sophie. “Compassion and intelligence are far more important for the position than anything else.”
Sin looked to her brothers. “Would you accept our marriage? I would authorize a stipend be paid to you for your work in managing the homes. Not as much as Portia would receive, but it would keep your families well, provide for daughters, allow sons to be educated at fine schools. If you perform your duties to satisfaction.”
“To your satisfaction?” queried Geoffrey.
“Not to mine. To Portia’s.”
She saw the shock on her brothers’ faces.
“But what about these rumors?” Gregory asked.
“I am going to tell the truth. Once Portia is a duchess and it is obvious that she’s tamed me, there will be no scandal. This event alone will be proof that I’ve changed—that I’ve turned into a respectable duke for love. Because I have.”
“Sin, I don’t want to force you to change,” Portia said. “I . . . I am willing to be disreputable with you.”
For the first time that evening, Sin smiled. “In private, angel, we will be thoroughly disreputable. But like the other two Wicked Dukes, I realize I’m ready to be tamed. I don’t want to share. And you are more alluring, more desirable than anyone else or any wicked party. I’ve realized that you are my ultimate fantasy, my deepest desire, Portia. I love you.”
“I can marry you and have love, and still be a part of my family, still be a part of the foundling homes?”
Sin looked to her brothers. They both stood. Gregory spoke. “Of course, Portia. You must forgive us for our hasty words.”
She was certain it was Sin’s promise of incomes that had changed their minds. But she was happy regardless.
“Then yes, Sin. I want to marry you. But for one reason: because I am, and have always been, deeply in love with you. You are my deepest desire, my fondest wish, my greatest love. All in one.”
He covered the distance between them in two strides. He lifted her and swung her off her feet.
And his kiss . . . it was what their love was about. Tender, poignant, happy, sensual, passionate.
At that moment a female voice cried, “Sinclair, what are you doing?”
Sin set her down as a woman in a high-necked dress of bronze-colored silk swept in. Jeweled necklaces roped around her neck and she held a lorgnette in front of her eyes. Portia bit her lip. Sin’s older cousin, the current duchess.
“You are not—”
“Quiet,” Sin growled. “You interfered once in my engagement. I know you spoke to Willoughby and agreed with his plan to introduce me to London vices. You did it in the hopes I would break off my engagement to Portia because I’d be so enthralled by that world. I was young and stupid then, but not anymore. I love Portia. If you don’t accept her, you’ll never be allowed in this house again.”
Portia put her hand on his arm. “Sin, no—”
“I mean it. You deserve her respect. I won’t tolerate anything less.”
Portia remembered how he had once felt belittled by the resentful duchess. She saw how strong he was now. Willing to fight for what he believed in.
Her heart almost burst. He hadn’t changed—he had gained the strength to be the good, noble man he was meant to be.
Impetuously, Portia stepped in front of Sin’s cousin. She dropped into as elegant a curtsy as she could muster. Rising, she touched the woman’s arm gently. The duchess, looking imperious, stared in surprise.
“I know I am not what you expected,” Portia said. “I am not from a grand family. There is nothing I can do about that, but I wish you to know you are most welcome in our house and our family. I wish to have you as a guest often.”
Portia expected to get her ears blistered. To her surprise, the duchess curtsied.
“I have no choice but to accept. The boy has dragged the family name through scandal with his shocking parties. If you are asking me to be a guest, I presume you intend to change him.”
“She already has,” Sin said.
“Let us put the past behind us.” Portia knew it must be hopeless, for why would the duchess accept a nobody?
“I made a mistake,” the duchess said. “I should have not agreed with the plan of Lord Willoughby, who is now found to be a scandalous murderer. There are those who knew that I concocted that plan with him—the plan to take Sinclair to the more sordid places in London. Now I look like a fool. I wish to eliminate scandal. If you can make this boy stop his shocking parties, I will accept the marriage.”
“Then be prepared to be invited for dinner, cousin,” Sin said.