Page 154 of A Very Bellamy Christmas

Stacia’s eyes widened. “What? How?”

He handed her a cup and saucer. “Drink your tea while I tell you what happened.

Stacia listened in stunned silence as Andrew explained her illness and his sudden trip to…somewhere.

“Nobody else guessed?” she asked.

He took a sip of tea. “Only Sylvester and the duchess and that’s because they saw Drake in his stall.”

“So that means the servants know.”

“Only the stable lads—which is who Kathryn bribed to move Drake from his stall whenever Higgins did his inspection. Oh, and the maid, Dora.”

Stacia gave him a mocking look.

“What?” he asked.

“I keep forgetting that most people of our class have no idea what goes on below stairs,” she said dryly.

“Are you saying the entire staff knows?”

“I am guessing all but the uppermost servants. If Davis or Mrs. Nutter had known they would have told their employer.”

He nodded slowly and pursed his lips. “I see.” He cocked his head at her. “I don’t suppose you would change your mind about marrying me?”

“My reputation is intact. There is no reason to marry.” She set down her cup and saucer with a clatter.

“Your reputation is not the only reason I asked, Stacia.”

She stared at him, trying to see beyond his beautiful eyes and charming smile to the man inside the body. But he was as polished and charming as ever.

He was lying—being a gentleman.

Stacia shook her head. “I cannot.”

His eyebrows rose. “I suppose that is better than I don’t want to.”

Stacia snorted. “Is there a young woman in England who doesn’t want to marry you?”

“You, apparently.”

She sighed. “You don’t want this, my lord. And I do not want a husband who has been forced by circumstance—or conscience,” she hurriedly added when he opened his mouth to argue.

He stared at his half-full teacup for a moment and then looked up, no longer smiling. “I have enjoyed my time with you more than any woman in over a decade. When I asked you to marry me, it was for me.” He smiled, and it was…wistful. “You won’t believe me because I don’t recall meeting you before—not just once, but evidently dozens of times—and because, in your heart, you cannot forget how I described you that night in the conservatory.”

Stacia wanted to deny it, but it was part of the reason she could not marry him, if not the most important part, which was far too humiliating for her to lay out for him.

“Is there anything I can do to convince you to change your mind?”

Tell me you love me.

“Do you hesitate because you have given your heart to another man?”

Stacia’s head whipped up at his question.

“If that is the case, I will not bother you further,” he said when she didn’t immediately answer.

Here is your chance to put an end to this. Once and for all.