Seduction Becomes Her by Shirlee Busbee

had changed all that. He was too cynical to believe in love at first sight—lust, perhaps—but he could not deny that there was something about Daphne that made the idea of marriage to her…not at all distasteful. A vision of that tall, slim body, the enticing length of leg he had glimpsed when she climbed the rocks flashed through his mind—that and the quick intelligence, the bravery he seen in those lovely hazel-green eyes when she’d realized her danger in the cave and had sent Adrian away. Beautiful, brave, and intelligent. A man could do far worse. He grinned. He seriously doubted that Daffy would feel the same about him—in fact, quite probably the reverse. His grin widened. Ah, there was that challenge again….

    Leaving Lord Trevillyan politely conversing with Mrs. Henley, April, and a plump little pigeon of woman who had been introduced as Miss Kettle, Charles followed Henley and Adrian from the saloon.

    The door had barely shut behind them in the library before Vicar Henley said, “I’m sure you realize that this is a most unusual circumstance, Mr. Weston, and I find myself in a difficult situation. As you are no doubt aware, Sir Adrian is not of age, and since this involves his guardian and it would not be proper for her to be here at this time, neither he nor she has anyone to act for them. While Miss Beaumont is of age, in a matter as serious as this, the Squire and I thought that it would be best if we gentlemen settled this between ourselves before it goes any further. At Sir Adrian’s request, I have stepped into the role as advisor to him. I hope you have no objections.”

    Charles politely inclined his head. “None.”

    The vicar cleared his throat. “Uh, no one believes that you acted anything less than a gentleman to Miss Beaumont during your, uh, recent ordeal, but the fact remains that you were trapped alone with her for two nights in that cave.” Vicar Henley fiddled with his cravat. “I’m sure you realize the irreparable damage done to Miss Beaumont’s reputation and that there is only one way to save her name from being bandied about in a most scandalous way.”

    Charles glanced at Adrian standing stiffly by the vicar’s side, looking as if he wished the floor would open up and swallow him. Charles felt for him. Young Beaumont was a nice lad, and that the boy had developed a case of hero-worship for him had not escaped Charles’s notice. Sir Adrian was being pulled two ways, not wanting to offend his hero but determined to salvage his sister’s reputation. The young man was in the unenviable position of demanding a stranger, albeit one he seemed to admire, do the honorable thing—whether I want to or not, Charles thought wryly.

    Putting Adrian out of his misery, Charles looked at him and said softly, “It would give me great pleasure to make your eldest sister my bride. I can assure you that I will treat her well and that I have the means to see that she is never in want.”

    Adrian’s face lit up. “Oh, thank you, sir! I didn’t doubt that a gentleman of your caliber would act any differently, but”—He swallowed and flushed, saying in a rush that would have mortified Daphne, “Thing is—you don’t k-k-know us, and Daffy m-m-might not be your cup of t-t-tea.”

    Charles thought it interesting that Adrian wasn’t the least worried about Daphne not liking him! Deciding not to enlighten the young man on the difficulties he suspected might arise, Charles smiled at Adrian and said, “I assure you that Daffy is precisely my cup of tea.”

    “Well, now,” said the vicar, “with the heavy ground out of the way, I think that we can postpone discussions of settlements and the like until tomorrow. Mr. Vinton, Sir Adrian’s man of business, has already stated that he will be happy to handle the business end of things.” He looked at Charles. “How do you propose we go on? Will you wish to be married by Special License, or shall I have the banns published? Assuming