“No,” she protested. “You must wed, Devin. You need an heir. You are wonderful with children. Just look how you are with Charlie and Freddie. They adore you and it is obvious you return their feelings.”

  Stubbornness set his mouth in stone. “It is you or no other, Julia. You must wed me. I want you and I will have you. Nothing—no one—will get in my way.”

  “What if I don’t want you?” she countered.

  Devin smiled. “Then I’ll just have to change your mind.”

  He tugged, pulling her to him. His mouth settled on hers and the scent of his cologne filled the air about her.

  She shook her head, breaking the contact. “You cannot kiss me in public!” she hissed.

  “I am a marquess now, my love. I think I can do just about anything I choose to do.” He smiled tenderly. “And I choose you. Always.”

  His lips touched hers again and fire lit within her. Julia couldn’t help herself. She kissed him back, with all the love she held for him. They kissed until they were both breathless. Finally, he broke the kiss, both of them coming up for air, glancing about.

  “See?” he said. “Deserted. Barely a soul in the park on such a cold afternoon.” Grinning, he added, “Of course, you coming down to the bank helped. The dip in the land has kept us out of sight.”

  He stood, pulling her up at the same time. “Walk with me.”

  Devin tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and they walked silently for some minutes before he spoke again.

  “You know I love you. You also know you are not getting rid of me. Tell me what I can do to make you want to marry me again. You said yes once, Julia. You committed to me when you did. What can I do to make things right between us again?”

  “It was never us, Devin. It is your new title. I simply do not wish to be part of the ton ever again. That includes being married to a peer with a lofty title.”

  “So, if I am rich or poor now, it doesn’t matter. It is the title that is holding you back. Before, you led me to believe that if my new estates were bankrupt, I should wed a woman with a substantial dowry in order to rescue them. Instead, all along, you didn’t wish to marry a title. Why?”

  “I don’t trust the members of Polite Society,” she said, stubbornness filling her. “No one helped me when Rodney banished me from the only home I had known. Then I saw how Lady Sowbury was ignored by her family and how deeply it hurt her. I was a companion to her for several years. She was the kindest, most generous soul on earth—yet her own family did not have time for her. She still had her mind and sense of humor until her dying day. Her family could have enjoyed her company and learned from her. Instead, they wrote her off because they believed she could do nothing for them.”

  Julia sighed. “And Lord and Lady Pelham epitomized everything I dislike about the ton. They were self-centered. They barely tolerated one another. They couldn’t find five minutes to spend with their children. Lady Pelham had done her duty, providing an heir and a spare. She and her husband then conducted several affairs.”

  She pulled her hand from him and wrapped her arms around her. “No one in Polite Society seems happy. They are selfish and value money and title over relationships. I just cannot be a part of something such as that.”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders. “Julia, I agree with you for the most part. My own parents were cut from the same cloth as the Pelhams and what I suspect a good deal of Polite Society is. Theirs was an arranged marriage. They had little interest in each other and practically none regarding their children. Prentis got what little attention they did bestow, simply because he was the heir.

  “But I want something different for us. I know we can forge a life together that makes us happy. Look at Win and Sera. Even Percy and Minta. They are loving toward one another. They will give their undivided attention to the children they will soon have. And Win and Sera already shower Freddie and Charlie with love and attention. It can be done. We don’t have to be caught up in a pattern we despise. We can love one another. Cherish one another. Create children and be attentive and loving to them.”

  He slid his hands down her arms, capturing her hands in his.

  “If you don’t wish to go to the Season, then we will stay at Easton Ridge. But I wish you would reconsider. Win has told me of his friends, the Second Sons. They are a tightknit group of men who gained unexpected titles, the same as I did. From what I can tell, they have all married remarkable women. I would hate for you to miss out on those friendships. I will respect, though, whatever decision you make. But we are in this together, Julia.”

  Devin released her hands and reached inside his coat pocket, extracting a folded page and opening it. Handing it to her, he said, “See?”

  She saw their names written upon the document. “Is this a marriage license?”

  “It is a special license,” he told her. “Something that allows us to skip reading the banns and wed whenever we wish. I have already spoken with Billman, my solicitor. He has drawn up the wedding settlements. You will find yourself taken care of.”

  He framed her face in his hands. “I want to marry you, Julia. Have you beside me each day, helping me make the right decisions for our people. I want to kiss our babies and toss our children in the air. I want us to go riding together. Take tea each day. I want to make love to you every single day—and night.”

  She blushed at his words.

  “Now that I have found you, I will have Billman set up an appointment with your half-brother. You told me he must approve your future husband in order to release your dowry. I don’t need it. In fact, I had Billman write into the contracts that it is yours, to do with as you see fit. But we are going to confront Lord Tilton. He wronged you and your mother. It is time he paid the piper for his vile actions.”

  Devin gazed into her eyes. “I will ask you this question once, Julia. And I expect to hear the answer I want to hear.” He paused. “Will you marry me?”

  Her throat grew thick with unshed tears. “Yes, Devin. I want to marry you.”

  “Yes!” he cried, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her soundly.

  In his kiss, Julia knew she had come home to the life she had always wanted and never thought she could have.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Julia accompanied Devin to his solicitor’s office. She found Mr. Billman to be a delight, knowledgeable with a hint of mischief in his eyes. Devin insisted they read through the contracts together so she would be familiar with the contents.

  “I don’t mind doing so, Lord Bedford,” Billman said, “but Lord Tilton will be the one signing these, will he not?”

  Julia spoke up. “No, Mr. Billman. I am five and twenty and so of legal age. I alone am responsible for my well-being.”

  The solicitor looked perplexed. “Then why is Lord Tilton even involved in these proceedings?” he asked. “Unless Lady Julia wishes for a gentleman from her family to represent her.”

  Devin had presented her to the solicitor as Lady Julia Birmingham, her true title. It sounded odd to her ears after so many years of being Miss Birmingham.

  “Lady Julia is estranged from Lord Tilton. He does have control of her dowry, however. If he still has it. We aim for her to claim it, as is her right.”

  “If?” Julia asked. “Do you think he has spent it?” She frowned. “Of course, he would have because he never expected me to wed.”

  “That might have proven difficult, my lady,” interjected Billman. “Did your father make the provisions for your dowry?”

  “Yes, he did so several years before his death. He passed away just before I was to have my come-out Season.”

  The older man smiled. “Then I would think the new Lord Tilton was not able to access these funds. Fathers have a way of protecting their daughters, Lady Julia.”

  “All I know is my father loved me very much. Papa would have done whatever it took to make certain I was taken care of.” She fought the bitterness that threatened to fill her, knowing she hadn’t been cared for by Tilton.

  “What has the earl said to you in regards to your dowry?” Mr. Billman asked, his curiosity obvious.

  “That I would need his permission to wed and he must approve of my husband in order to release my dowry to him.”

  “How old were you when he told you this, if I might ask?”

  “Ten and eight,” she replied.

  “Then that would have been the case since you were not of legal adulthood at that time. You are beyond that now. He should have no way to hold back the dowry,” the solicitor assured them. “And since you are estranged, I am betting he wasn’t one to volunteer that kind of information to you.”

  Anger simmered through her. “No, I was not aware of that, Mr. Billman.”

  “I will, of course, ask to see the stipulations associated with the dowry when we meet with him today.”

  “What did you say in order for him to agree to the appointment?” asked Devin. “Especially since I asked you not to use my or Lady Julia’s name.”

  “I spoke to his solicitor,” Mr. Billman replied. “I told him it was in regard to a lucrative financial matter. Mr. West, Lord Tilton’s solicitor, assured me he and his client would be happy to come to my offices.” Billman shook his head. “Mr. West gave me the impression that he had not been paid in some time and that he hoped our meeting might change those circumstances.”

  “I will see that Mr. West is paid for his time today,” Devin told them. “He should not have to suffer and work for free merely because his client is a sluggard of the worst kind. Shall we review the contracts now?”

  Julia read through them, finding that Devin had been more than generous with her. She asked about a few points and saw the admiration in Mr. Billman’s eyes.

  “You understand legal matters, Lady Julia,” he observed.

  “I helped handle many affairs on my father’s estate,” she told him.

  “And she will help me run Easton Ridge,” Devin added. “Lady Julia’s knowledge far exceeds my own when it comes to estate management.”

  “When is your wedding?” the solicitor asked.

  “As soon as we can clear up matters with Lord Tilton,” Devin said.

  Julia wondered just where Devin would want them to marry. At Easton Ridge? Here in town? Would he wish for His Grace and Lord Kingston to be present since he was close friends with them? She supposed it would all be worked out soon. She tried to push aside thoughts of their wedding for now and concentrated on the business at hand. Seeing Tilton would be difficult but she knew she had Devin in her corner.

  That was all that mattered.

  The clerk brought in tea for them and they spoke of Easton Ridge and various investments that Devin now owned. Julia was pleased that she was able to contribute to the conversation. It thrilled her that her betrothed treated her as an equal and listened carefully to her thoughts and opinions. She thought they would have a true partnership as they worked toward bettering Easton Ridge. She couldn’t wait to get to know their tenants and see the property in person.

  A brief knock sounded and the clerk stuck his head in. “They have arrived, Mr. Billman.”

  “Then show them back, by all means,” the jovial solicitor said, obviously looking forward to this encounter.

  Moments later, her half-brother rounded the corner and entered the room, followed by a thin man with a balding pate. Shock filled Julia. She had not seen Tilton in over seven years—and he had not aged well during that time. He had been fairly good-looking but a little fleshy then. Now, he had turned to fat, his jowls hanging, his girth immense, his hair sparse.

  His eyes widened. “What is she doing here?” he demanded.

  “Lady Julia is the subject of our meeting, Lord Tilton,” Mr. Billman said smoothly. “She is engaged to wed the Marquess of Bedford.” He indicated Devin, who nodded almost imperceptibly.

  “This is outrageous, West,” Tilton said, turning on his solicitor. “You didn’t say—”

  “I did not know, my lord,” Mr. West said, clearly agitated as he tried to soothe his client.

  Devin rose. “Have a seat. The both of you.” Looking at the new solicitor, Devin said, “I will make certain you receive your necessary fees today, Mr. West.”

  “Thank you, Lord Bedford,” the thin man replied, eagerly taking a seat.

  Tilton stood there, jaw opened. He finally sat and Julia could see he was none too pleased to be doing so.

  Mr. Billman handed copies of the marriage contracts to the two newcomers. “These are the settlements regarding Miss Birmingham’s marriage to Lord Bedford. Please read over them. You will find them to be most charitable to Miss Birmingham.”

  Mr. West began reading, nodding his head as he went. Her half-brother seemed to skim the document before he dropped it on the table and drummed his fingers.

  When he completed perusing it, Mr. West said, “Yes, this is a fine settlement. Lord Tilton, you will be pleased that your sister will want for nothing.”

  “Half-sister,” Tilton sneered. “And I truly don’t even consider us related.”

  “Then you will have no trouble in handing over her dowry,” Devin said, steel in his voice.

  “My father left the dowry in my control. I am to approve of her husband.” He frowned at Devin. “Frankly, I don’t approve of this match. You can do much better, my lord.”

  Julia saw the control it took for Devin not to strike Tilton.

  “It really doesn’t matter what you think, my lord,” Mr. West spoke up. “Lady Julia is of age and in control of her dowry now.” He looked to her and Devin. “The previous Lord Tilton—God rest his soul—set aside the funds for his daughter’s dowry. Lord Tilton has not been able to touch them.”

  A man slipped into the room now, carrying a satchel. He nodded to Devin and placed the satchel in front of him before going to stand in the corner.

  “This is outrageous!” Tilton said. “I don’t agree to this at all.”

  “You don’t have to agree, my lord,” Mr. Billman said smoothly. “You merely have to adhere to your father’s wishes.” He looked to Mr. West. “Can you see to the transfer of the dowry?” He named a bank.

  “Yes, that is also Lord Tilton’s bank. It will make the matter move with ease.”

  Her half-brother slammed his hand against the table. “She shouldn’t be able to get them. My father was blinded by a pretty slut—and this woman is the result.”

  Julia’s hackles rose. “My mother was the daughter of an earl. Papa said Mama was the most beautiful, graceful woman among those debutantes that made their come-outs with her. Papa loved your mother, Rodney. He truly did. But he was lonely and he found love a second time with my mother. You never forgave him for that. You punished Mama and me—and it cost my mother her life.

  “You cannot keep this dowry from me. I am going to wed Lord Bedford. He is the best man I know and I love him with all my heart. For once in your life, be gracious,” she urged.

  “I need that money,” he said. “I am in trouble, Julia. I am up to my ears in gaming debts. Would you consider allowing me to keep it?”

  Devin had said he was wealthy but Julia could not look kindly upon this man before her. She owed him nothing, especially after the way he had treated her and Mama once Papa had passed.

  “You are full of hate,” she said calmly. “Papa—our father—wanted me to have this money. Not you. You got the estate and everything else. My husband is going to allow me to do whatever I wish with this money. I have ideas on how to do so. Charitable ones. I will not let you waste it on debts you have run up.”

  “Actually, those markers have been sold to me,” Devin said, casually opening the satchel and beginning to remove sheafs of paper. “I have had Mr. Blumer buy them up. Every. Single. One.”

  Tilton turned as white as a sheet in the sun. “Are you calling them in, Bedford?” he asked hoarsely.

  “Only if you don’t do as I ask,” Devin replied. “Where is your country estate?”

  “Tilbury Manor is in Durham. Northern England,” Tilton said, his entire body now trembling.

  “Then you are to go home, Tilton. You are not to return to London. Ever. I will hold your markers and you will try and be at least half the man your father was. You will go to Tilbury Manor and work to make your estate profitable. You will do your best to see to your tenants’ needs. I will send Mr. Blumer here to Durham once a year to check on your progress. He will have full access to your estate records and will speak with your tenants and servants. If you are not walking the straight and narrow path, then I will call in every marker. They will all be due at the same time. If you cannot pay, you will rot in debtors’ prison.”

  Julia watched as her half-brother’s head dropped to the table and he began to sob.

  Everyone sat quietly for some minutes. Then Devin nodded at the man he called Blumer and he rose.

  “May I see you to your coach, Lord Tilton? I will accompany you home and let your servants know they are to pack up your things. Your house will be closed. Or perhaps you might wish to let it. That would generate a substantial income for you during the Season, I would think.”

  Tilton rose, with Blumer’s aid, and he left the room without a word.

  Mr. West said, “Finally, he is out of my hair. What little I have left of it.”

  Those at the table began to laugh.

  “No, I realize I will still have obligations to him,” West continued. He looked to Julia. “I did not know your father, my lady. I am sorry I did not. He produced quite a remarkable daughter, though. You stood up bravely to Lord Tilton. I know he has mistreated you. For that, I am sorry.”

  “Shall we go to the bank, Mr. West?” asked Mr. Billman. “We can handle the transfer of the dowry from Lord Tilton to Lord Bedford. Or actually, the account I will set up for the future Lady Bedford.”

  “See to Mr. West’s compensation, as well,” Devin said after Mr. West exited the room. “And be generous, Billman.”

  “Certainly, my lord.” He paused. “It was a pleasure getting to meet you, Lady Julia. I wish you much happiness.”

  The room now empty, Devin leaned over to Julia and gave her a lingering kiss.