“Valentine lifted Rose to look her in the eye. “You are staying away from men, mysugar cake. Men are evil, wicked, and devious. I know this, because I am one.”

“Talking to yourself?" Her father turned the corner of the house to join her amid the rows of roses. Sneaking was evil, she decided. "No. I was… just conversing with the new rosebush," she stammered, feeling her cheeks warm. "Ah. And did it answer?" "I believe it to be shy." "If it everdoesanswer, you will inform me, won't you ?" "Very amusing.”

“Blue eyes held hers. “I have the oddest desire to learn what you want from life,” he continued.”

“There are rules,” he interrupted, scowling. Before she could move, he had both her hands in his, theirfaces inches apart. “Don’t put me off, Phillipa. I’ve given you my one warning; I am after you. If you wishme to proceed your way, I will. To a point. But if you continue throwing up that damned—blasted—‘youcan’t do that’ protest and still look at me with that same…passion in your eyes, I will put you back in thatphaeton and not stop driving until we reach Gretna Green. Is that clear?”

“Come below for a moment. Please.”“Zephyr, I don’t have time t—”“Bradshaw, do me the courtesy of at least looking at me when I’m talking to you, or I shall punch you in the nose.”His lean jaw twitched, but he folded his arms across his chest and faced her. “What is it, then?”She took a deep breath. This would have been so much easier in a more intimate setting and if he wasn’t glaring at her. “Shaw, I just wanted to say—that is, I mean—I . . . I love you.”Something crossed his expression so swiftly that she couldn’t decipher it. But then he very obviously scowled. At her. “You’re only saying that now because I bullied you into it.”Oh, that was enough of that. “Idiot. You have no idea how much considering I’ve been doing. And you have never bullied me into anything. I said I love you because I love you.”He hesitated again. “Very well. Thank you. Now you won’t have to worry that you drove me to my death if I don’t return.”Zephyr narrowed her eyes. “All you did was say you loved me and then run away. I’m standing here saying it back to you, and all you can do is try to make me into a liar. It’s your fault, for surprising me. I don’t keep a response to that sort of thing in my pocket, ready for use.”“I know that. And I said thank you.”

“I don't think there'll be a next time, my lady.” Saint smiled. “But thank you for the offer.”Her eyebrows lifted in surprise. “You're welcome. My, my, manners. Where have you been—church?”

“Shaw grinned again, wishing mightily that he and she were alone by the fire. “I never claimed to be much of a gentleman. But whether you tote about a parasol or not, you are every inch a lady. Quite possibly the finest I’ve ever met.”“Goodness. If you continue saying such things, I’ll begin to think you’re smitten with me.” “I’d describe it more as being clubbed into submission,” he murmured, aware both that her palm had come to rest just over his heart, and that his men and the Mayfair mob across the fire pit could see it. “But yes, I am rather smitten with you.”