“How is Frannie?” she asked, her words coming out in a rush, her fervent hope that he would leave before she came undone. Even though she’d seen Frannie only that morning, she didn’t want to raise his suspicions by not inquiring.
“She’s well. I saw her late this morning as a matter of fact.”
“Did you ask for her hand in marriage at long last?”
He slowly shook his head. “I apologized to her.”
“For what? You didn’t tell her what passed between us—”
“No.”
With the predatory prowl that she’d come to associate with him, he crossed over to her. “I apologized because I’ve done all in my power to convince her to become my wife, would do anything to have her as my wife, and I suddenly realized that I couldn’t marry her, that I had to marry you.”
Her heart stammered. “Why?” Before he could respond, the truth hit her. “Damn them! They told you, didn’t they? I didn’t want this. I didn’t—”
“What? Who? What are you talking about?”
“Dr. Graves and Winnie. They’ve opposed my plans from the beginning. But it’s not fair to you, just because I’m with child—”
“What?” Claybourne wrapped his hand around her arm, drew her near, and stood over her with fury undulating off him in waves.
It occurred to Catherine that this might have been how David felt when he confronted Goliath.
“Oh, dear Lord, they didn’t tell you.”
“You’re with child?” he asked, as though what she’d said had finally registered with him. His gaze dropped to her belly. Her condition was not yet evident. Then ever so reverently, he splayed his fingers over her stomach. He lifted his gaze back to hers. “Why did you not tell me? Because of that first night in the library when I told you that I’d not give you respectability if I got you with child?”
“No, no.” Reaching up, with tears in her eyes, she cradled his beloved face between her hands, holding his gaze so he’d have no doubt she spoke the truth. “I didn’t tell you because I knew you would do right by me, and in so doing, you would sacrifice your own dream. You would marry me and give up Frannie, the woman you love more than life itself. And I love you far too much—”
She suddenly found herself crushed against him, his mouth devouring hers, his hand plowing into her hair, scattering pins, the heavy strands tumbling around her.
He tore his mouth from hers. “I love you. I adore Frannie, but I love you desperately, Catherine. You’re courageous, bold, and you challenge me at every turn. You’re willing to risk everything for those you care about. Your willingness to sacrifice knows no bounds. I am so unworthy, but if you’ll marry me, I’ll see that you never regret it.”
His heartfelt declaration had tears running along her cheeks. “You are the most worthy man I know. You’ve got a bit of the devil in you, and a bit of a saint, but you’re everything I could ever wish for in a man, in a husband. The answer is yes. Gladly.”
He was kissing her again, and she felt the fire building between them. She wondered if she could sneak him up to her bedchamber so she could give him a proper answer.
The door suddenly burst open. Catherine simply looked back over her shoulder to see Sterling standing there, his arms crossed over his chest, his expression formidable. “Catherine, you assured me the blackguard wouldn’t take advantage. I assure you, sir, a wedding is in order here.”
Catherine looked at Claybourne. He smiled down on her.
“As soon as it can be arranged,” he promised.
Chapter 24
It was late, long past midnight, when Luke walked the familiar back hallway of Dodger’s. He and his friends had gambled there, drunk there, commiserated there. In a way, it was Feagan’s dwelling—simply fancier, cleaner, better smelling.
Luke stopped at the open doorway that led into Jack’s sanctuary, not surprised to find Jack sitting behind his desk going over his books—not checking Frannie’s figures so much as relishing all he’d gained. More than any of them, Jack loved his coins.
Luke cleared his throat. Jack glanced up, and for a heartbeat, Luke thought he saw joy in Jack’s eyes before he shuttered his emotions.
“You haven’t stopped by in a while,” Jack said, leaning back insolently in his chair.
“I had no desire to be here.”
“I can hardly blame you for that, I suppose. What brings you here tonight?”
“I’ve asked Lady Catherine Mabry to become my wife. She’s consented to granting me the honor of being her husband.”