.
How many times in the last year had Leah been asked this simple question? And yet, with William’s grandmother, Leah felt like lying to this woman would damn her soul forever. Which was ridiculous, since she’d been lying for years.
Though, more recently, she’d begun to think that Natalia Hext was dead. She’d died eighteen years ago, for that was the last time she’d ever used the name. After that, she’d become Leah Morel. She, her mother, and brother had all taken on a common English name and used what funds they’d had to gain documents that fit.
But when Sarah’s blackmailing had pulled her from France, she’d known how strict the English could be about a single woman and decided to fabricate a husband. And once she’d decided to move into the Spinster’s Home, it had been easy to craft her tale to whatever would benefit her most.
But none of it seemed right where this Roma woman was concerned, and part of Leah thought that even if she did lie, the woman would know. Why did that bother Leah more than ever before?
Because every day she spent with William made it hard for her to imagine a day without him. And she’d decided that if she could have him, she would take him.
She’d have to discuss this decision with her brother, of course, who had also come on the trip, but who she still hadn’t spoken to since that night at Sarah’s, though she’d readily forgiven him that same night. She just hadn’t told him yet. Still, Lorenzo’s future would be changed by her decision as well, so it was only fair to speak to him.
Leah turned to Mercy and gave her the only answer she could, “I’m Mrs. Leah Wells.” She curtsied. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“Is it?’ Mercy asked with a cool arched brow.
Leah’s stomach flipped.
“Grandmother,” William said with a slight growl, but it was gentle, like that of a cub speaking to its mother. He, too, seemed to humble himself before this woman, and that worried Leah even more.
Mercy smiled. “Come and sit. Tell me about yourself.”
William opened his mouth to speak, but his grandmother cut him off.
“Liam may remain, but if you intend to continue to interrupt our discussion, you’ll be asked to leave. Am I understood?”
He bowed his head as he sat with Leah. “Yes, Grandmother.” A small smile played on his irresistible mouth. Leah was suddenly flooded with the memory of what that mouth had done to her just a few minutes ago. She blinked and turned away before she could be caught.
Too late, it seemed. Not only was Mercy watching, but so was Naomi, who’d taken a seat opposite her and William.
Leah started speaking immediately and told the same version of her story that she’d have told anyone else. The words came easy, but her pulse and stomach would not settle. Her mouth became dry when she came to the part about living in the Spinster Home.
Mercy lifted her hand in protest. “Dear girl, why are you so nervous?” Mercy’s black gaze pinned her in place. “There is nothing to fear here.”
Leah took a deep breath and felt her face heat. “I’m sorry, I…” She took another breath.
William’s hand settled on her back, and he moved forward so their eyes could meet. “Are you all right?”
No, she wasn’t.
“Grandmother,” Naomi said with reproach. “You’re frightening the girl.”
“Am I?” Mercy asked. “That’s unfortunate.” And there was clear disapproval in her voice.
Leah felt mortified and stood. “If you’ll excuse me.” She started from the room and a short while later, she heard feet following her down the hall.
“Leah.” William’s voice came from right behind her, but she didn’t slow, and she didn’t stop until she was on the balcony just off the stair landing. The air was slightly cold but instantly made her feel better.
When William touched her, she moved away and walked briskly down a staircase that led out to a garden. She couldn’t help but take note of the house’s beautiful design. It seemed every few feet one could easily find a door to the outside. It was likely because of all the Roma who lived inside.
“Leah, you’ve nothing to fear from my grandmother.” William stepped in front of her once they reached the stoned path and took her shoulders. “She was trying to intimidate you. Don’t let her.”
“That is easy for you to say.” She batted his hands away. “She’s your grandmother and you’re asking me to lie to her.” There was no need to pretend that that wasn’t the case. William already knew she’d never been married. She could only imagine what else he’d discovered to be false, but so long as he never knew her real name…
He lifted her chin and she found his green eyes to be gentle. “How dangerous is the truth?”
“Deadly.”
He nodded. “Do you ever plan to tell me who you really are?”
“No.” She closed her eyes. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” Not even if it meant they couldn’t be together. But it would hurt her greatly and far deeper than everything else. She didn’t want to lose him. Not again.
His mouth was warm when it took hers, causing gooseflesh to cover her. Then his arms came around her and blocked the cold. The kiss was gentle and more of a caress than anything. It definitely demanded her attention, but along with the heat came a sense of peace and ease.
“Very well,” he whispered against her mouth.
“What?” She couldn’t focus on his words. Only on what he was doing. Her arms locked around his back and held him close. They were likely visible to the rest of the house, but nothing mattered but him, being near him and feeling him.
He pulled her head back and she saw a serenity in his gaze. “I don’t care who you are so long as you are mine.”
Her arms locked around him harder. “What do you mean?”
He smiled. “Leah, I’ve no idea who you really are, but I’d be honored if you became Mrs. Tift.”
Leah felt her thoughts retreat as they tried to understand what William had just said. “Is that a proposal?”
“It is.” He kissed her again. “Will you marry me?”
Her pulse started racing again as every part of her being shouted yes in great harmony, but her lips couldn’t say it. She still had Lorenzo to consider. What would be her brother’s place in her life if she married William? Could she reveal the truth to him? She wanted to, but would he keep her secret from the others?
He seemed to sense her hesitation and pulled away. “What’s the matter?” He didn’t look worried in the least.
“You’d marry a liar?” she asked.
“I’d marry a woman who is strong and brave and beautiful.” He frowned. “You are not only a liar, Leah, and I’ve a feeling that even now you don’t do it for yourself. You’re as selfless as they come.”
She smiled. He was right, and he didn’t even know why. While she valued her life, she didn’t know what her known existence would drive Julius to do. No more violence. Not for these brave men.
He spoke again. “Leah.”
She hated that he couldn’t call her Natalia, but Leah was close enough. “Yes?”
“I love you.”
Leah felt herself falling but William caught her as she laughed. “You love me?” Nothing could make her feel lighter or happier. She placed her hands on his chest and gathered his jacket in her fingers, and she stared up at him with a need to make sure that this moment and everything about it was real. “You love me?” She touched his smiling lips, his cheeks, his hair. She leaned forward and kissed his throat before breathing him in.
He cupped her neck and gently pulled her back to meet his eyes again. “I do. Will you marry me?”
“Aren’t you at all curious about how I feel about you?” she asked.
His gaze became mocking. “I know how you feel. Now, answer my question.”
Such arrogance. It immediately made her feel better. He made her feel better. She loved him so much. She had to tell him. “I love you.”
“I know. Marry me.”
She covered her face and asked, “May I have the day to think about it?” She really had to discuss this with Lorenzo, for she had a feeling that he would not leave Lorena’s side, and this would make their relationship hard. He was her last relative… well, except for Julius, Uncle Perry, and their cousin Stephen, but she could never speak to the others as familiars. She’d given that up long ago, but not Lorenzo.
William looked away but when his gaze returned he nodded. “Very well.”
She frowned. “You seem very unbothered. What if I say no?”
“Then I’ll change your mind.” His arms around her waist grew tight, dragging her in. “But I’m not letting you go, Leah.”
She grinned. “It amazes me how you manage to fit your head into a room, William. Surely, your ego has swelled beyond the width of doors.”
He chuckled and whispered, “Or perhaps it’s because I’ve never felt more certain about anything in my life.”
That confirmed it for her. She would marry this man, but first… “Just the day.”
He nodded and kissed her before letting her go and stepping back. “Your time ends at sunrise tomorrow.” Then he turned and left her to her thoughts.
Leah started for the house, but not wishing to face anyone who’d probably seen them through the windows, she started for the servants’ entrance.
The warmth of the kitchen broke over her and the pleasant scents from the stove were welcoming, as was the fact that the kitchen was empty.
A basket of produce on the counter caught her eye and immediately an idea struck her.
She still owed William for his impromptu meeting with his grandmother, and this revenge would be sweeter than ever.
Quickly slipping the other ingredients she would need for her surprise into the basket, she fled the room and went to her own.