As he was about to give in to the temptation, Bennett’sthunderous voice came from next to them. “What in the blazes is going on here?” he demanded.
Miles jumped back and rose. “I… uh… nothing.”
“Nothing?” Bennett asked. “You almost kissed my cousin.”
Rising, Edwina said, “But he didn’t.”
Bennett narrowed his eyes at Miles. “This is how you act as a guest in my home?” he asked, his voice rising. “You take advantage of my cousin? Have you no shame?”
Realizing he had been caught in a scandalous position, Miles knew there was only one honorable thing he could do. “I will marry Lady Edwina.”
“What?” Edwina asked, turning her gaze towards him. “Surely you cannot be serious.”
“I am,” Miles replied.
Edwina placed a hand on her hip. “Am I not to have a say in this?”
Bennett took a commanding step forward. “No. You will marry Miles.”
“I will not!” Edwina exclaimed. “You are making a big deal out of nothing, Bennett. We didn’t even kiss.”
“But you would have if I hadn’t walked in when I did,” Bennett remarked.
“You don’t know that for certain,” Edwina challenged.
Miles grimaced. “We would have,” he admitted. “I’m sorry, my lady. But to save your honor, I must marry you.”
“My honor? Is that what you are concerned about?” Edwina asked.
Reaching out, Miles placed a hand on her sleeve. “I know this is not what you wanted, but it is the only way.”
Edwina tilted her chin defiantly, yanking back her arm. “No.”
“No?” Miles asked.
“You told me yourself that you don’t want to get married ever again,” Edwina said. “I refuse to trap you in an unwanted marriage.”
With a glance at Bennett, Miles admitted, “It isn’t entirely unwanted.”
Edwina gave him a knowing look. “But it isn’t a love match,” she argued. “Do I not deserve to fall in love?”
“You do, but—” Miles started.
She spoke over him. “There is no ‘but’ about it,” she stated. “I will only marry for love. That is what I deserve.”
“Edwina, be reasonable,” Bennett attempted.
Turning to face her cousin, Edwina’s expression was set in firm determination. “You are the only one that knows about what almost happened here. You must promise not to say a thing and this talk of marriage nonsense goes away.”
Bennett frowned. “And why should I promise such a thing?”
“Because you will want my discretion as well,” Edwina replied.
“With what?” Bennett asked.
Edwina pressed her lips together before saying, “Uncle Lionel is not the man that he claims to be.”
Bennett eyed her warily. “What is that supposed to mean?”