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“Well, of course. We’re going to marry.”

She laughed—a sharp, humorless sound. “Are you mad?”

He scowled, his heart thumping loudly against his chest. “Are you? Why are you surprised? After the night we shared, you really think I’d let you go without making you my wife?”

She took another step away. “I don’t want you to feel obligated to offer for me just because of that.”

“Just because of that?” he echoed, stunned. If she didn’t think their shared passion was reason enough, he had another one. A good one. “You could be carrying my child as we speak.”

She swallowed hard. “No, I couldn’t. I can’t…” She let out a breath. “At least, I don’t think I can.”

“Pardon?” He frowned, not quite comprehending her meaning.

“I don’t think I can have children, Jacob. I’ve never…” She closed her eyes briefly, her features pained. “I’ve been with another— with other men before… I’ve never been able to conceive.”

He took it in quietly. “Oh.”

“I hope you don’t think less of me for that.” Her voice was small.

“Less of you?” This conversation was confusing the devil out of him. “For being unable to bear children? That’s not your fault.”

“No.” She turned her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “That I wasn’t a virgin before you.”

Oh. That thought hadn’t even occurred to him at all.

He shook his head. “I didn’t think you were. Nor do I care.”

“You don’t?” She looked genuinely surprised.

“Why would I?”

She licked her lips. “Most men would.”

He crossed his arms. “I don’t know if that’s true.”

“And I think you should be more discerning,” she said, her tone sharpening.

“What the devil is that supposed to mean?” he barked.

“It means I’m below your station. I’m not fit to be a countess. I can’t give you heirs. I’m a housekeeper, Caldwell.”

The use of his title landed like a blow.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said evenly.

“But it matters to me. And it will matter to Elise.” Her voice cracked. “People will talk. The gossip will be relentless.”

“You were born to the gentry,” he countered. “This isn’t as scandalous as you think.”

She looked away, wincing, but before she could reply, a knock interrupted them.

They both stiffened.

She immediately retreated to the far end of the room.

Jacob’s jaw clenched. Her sentiment was clear: she didn’t want to be seen near him.

“Enter,” he called sharply, and Honoria flinched at his tone.