“Have you asked the question yet? I'm rather good at it, if I do say to myself. I got three different ladies to agree to marry me while you were gone. Did you know? Some didn't actually make it to the alter, but that's another problem altogether. Perhaps you'd like some pointers on-”

“And how closely related to you is Cousin Beatrice?”Reynaud gave him a look. “Not that close.“Glad to hear it.” Vale dropped into a cushioned chair. “I hope she recovers fully so that you can then propose to her. Because I tell you now, matrimony truly is a blessed state, enjoyed by all men of good sense and halfway adequate bedroom skills.”“Thank you for that edifying thought,” Reynaud growled.Vale waved his glass. “Think nothing of it. I say, you haven’t forgotten how to treat a lady in the bedroom, have you?”“Oh, for God’s sake!”“You’ve been out of refined society for years and years now. I could give you some pointers, should you need them.”

“You've used me to punish yourself, haven't you?"He watched dawning realization spread over her face, a confirmation more positive than anything she could ever say, and that arrow twisted deep in hischest. Yet still he had to ask the last question."Am I anything to you but a punishment?”

“Do you love me Hero?" His pale green eyes were full of torment. "Do you love me like I love you?”

“Where are we going?” she asked. “Mr. Durbin’s sheep have begun to lamb, and I wanted to see how the ewes are doing.” He cleared his throat. “I suppose I should have told you about today’s outing earlier.” Anna kept her eyes straight ahead and made a noncommittal sound. He coughed. “I might’ve, had you not left so precipitously yesterday afternoon.” She arched a brow but did not reply. There was a lengthy lull broken only by the dog’s eager yelp as he flushed a rabbit from the hedge along the lane. Then the earl tried again. “I’ve heard some people say my temper is rather . . .” He paused, apparently searching for a word. Anna helped him. “Savage?” He squinted at her. “Ferocious?” He frowned and opened his mouth. She was quicker. “Barbaric?” He cut her off before she could add to her list. “Yes, well, let us simply say that it intimidates some people.” He hesitated. “I wouldn’t want to intimidate you, Mrs. Wren.” “You don’t.”

“Shh,” he whispered. “You asked me if I loved you. I do. I love you more than life itself. Nothing matters in this world but that you live. Can you do that for me? Can you live?”

“Now, then, young lady. Which of these gentlemen will you marry?""This one." She squeezed [his] arm.The vicar inspected [him] and sniffed. "Doesnt look that much different from the other one.""Nevertheless"- she fought to remain sober-faced- "this is the man I want.”