Derek was flabbergasted. "Good God, Reggie, you've actually solved it, and brilliantly!"

She beamed at him, though with a bit of a smirk. "Didn't I though. And by the by, even Uncle Edward agrees that this scandal is so silly that it will cause only a few chuckles among the ton, at least among the gentlemen. The ladies, now, are going to think it's quite romantic, just as I do." "That's likely true," Elizabeth agreed. "It does have a certain appeal, with the young man forced to rescue the lady from her folly." "Kelsey?" Derek said. "This scandal is nothing compared with the truth, which no one will ever know about."

She knew what he was asking her. And she didn't answer immediately. It took a few moments for it to sink in that the reason she had given for not marrying him was gone. And the reason she hadn't given him was now her only obstacle to happiness.

She blurted it out. "You expect me to marry a man who has never once said he loves me?"

Derek stared at her incredulously. Regina rolled her eyes. Elizabeth actually chuckled, saying, "Men are so remiss when it comes to that. They'll tell everyone else, except the one who needs to hear it." "So are women," Derek pointed out, and raised a brow at Kelsey. "Or have I heard that sentiment from you?"

Kelsey blushed now. "I suppose I have been remiss as well." "This is possibly our cue to leave," Reggie said to Elizabeth. "Quite right."

Kelsey was still staring at Derek, didn't even hear the door close upon her friend and aunt. And he took her hand and pulled her off the sofa, then kissed her hand gently. "Say it, m'dear. Say you love me." "I do," she admitted. "Very, very much."

He grinned at her. "I knew that. And you knew that I love you. You've known it since I first asked you to marry me. Why else would I want you for my wife?"

She sighed and leaned into him. "Who knows what motivates a man? I certainly don't. I needed to hear it, Derek."

He hugged her close. "Silly girl, you'll never stop hearing it now.

DEREK ENTERED THE PARLOR AT HAVERSTON wiTH KELsey at his side, her hand firmly clasped in his. "I have another announcement to make," he said proudly to his family, gathered there. "Not necessary, dear boy," James replied, smiling at him. "The look on your face says it all." "Let him say it anyway, old man," Anthony told his brother. "Ain't often a Malory willingly puts the shackles on."

Derek grinned. "Lady Kelsey has agreed to marry me, thanks to Reggie's rumor-spreading capabilities. By the by, where is the minx? I owe her a bloody big hug." "I'd say she's off gloating with that bounder she married," James answered dryly. "The little darling is just too pleased with herself just now." "And rightly so," Amy put in. "I'm so happy for you, Derek." "Still say moving to America was the better option," Warren added. "Bite your tongue, Yank," James said. "My nephew happens to be civilized. He wouldn't have liked living amongst you hotheaded barbarians."

Warren just chuckled. "You married one of those Americans, or has that slipped your notice?" "My George is an exception, I'll have you know," James insisted. "Thank you-I think," Georgina said with a grin.

But Anthony complained, "You know, he's no fun to goad anymore, indeed he ain't. But at least old Nick still takes the bait-very dependably, too, I might add." "Don't he though?" James grinned. "But, then, the English are much more dependable."

Warren just snorted at that added dig, but Edward said, "Give it a rest, you two. This is a time for well-wishing," and then he added gruffly, smiling at Kelsey, "A pleasure to meet you, m'dear. I'm sure you'll make a fine addition to the Malory fold." "Yes, she will," Jason said quietly.

Derek glanced at his father, in his usual spot by the fireplace. Jason's expression was guarded, but Derek couldn't blame him for that. Their last words hadn't been at all pleasant.

"Might I have a word with you, Father?"

Jason nodded and led the way to his study. Derek brought Kelsey with him. And they came upon Molly coming down the hall, which saved him having to fetch her. "Would you join us, please?" Derek asked her, indicating the study, which Jason had already entered.

Molly nodded stiffly and preceded him, moving to stand beside Jason. Derek felt guilty for causing her wariness. She was his mother-but he still hadn't quite gotten used to that fact. "I was angry, I'll admit," Derek began. "But there's no room for that with the happiness I'm feeling now." He brought Kelsey's hand up to his lips, in case there was any doubt about what had caused his happiness. "But with those hot emotions no longer clouding my thinking, I've realized a few things."

He had to pause to clear his throat. That damn lump was starting to rise again. And Molly's expression had softened. She had smiled at Kelsey. She was now smiling at Derek. "Oh, hell," he said, and crossed the room to gather Molly into his arms. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause you any distress. I was just so shocked, and felt so-deprived." He leaned back to look at her. "I know you've always been there when I needed a mother. I just wish I could have called you Mother. But I think I understand why you felt that wasn't necessary." "Not unnecessary, Derek," she replied gently. "Just better for you-but I'll admit now that I might have been wrong to make that decision. I missed so much because of it. And now, knowing how you feel, I'll probably always regret it-If "Don't," he cut in. "There have been too many regrets already. And at least I know now. I'll understand, though, if you still don't want me to call you Mother."

She burst into tears then, and hugged him tight. "Oh, Derek, I've always loved you so! You can call me any bloody thing you like."

He laughed at that. Jason chuckled as well. Derek looked over her head at his father, and saw something he never had before. Jason really and truly loved Molly Fletcher. It was there in his eyes as he looked at her. "I don't suppose you two have thought about getting married yourselves?" he asked.

Jason gave a long-suffering sigh. "She still won't have me." Molly humphed as she wiped her eyes. "That isn't necessary," she said. To Derek she added, "Your father and I live very happily as we are, I'll have you know. There's no need to stir up a hornet's nest just for a silly piece of paper, no need a'tall." "I plan to work on it," Jason said, winking at Derek.

Derek grinned. "Sort of figured you would." "But I won't be changing my mind," Molly said, then smiled at Jason. "Although I won't mind your efforts to try."

Later that night, when Derek took Kelsey back to the inn to pack her things-she would be moving into Haverston until the wedding-he said, "You know, my Uncle Anthony had a good point tonight at dinner. I really don't dare risk getting you angry with me-ever."

Kelsey grinned. "Your uncle was being silly. Shooting husbands doesn't really run in my family. Now, tossing them into fireplaces is another matter."

Derek laughed, pulling her into his arms. "I'll remember that, luv. But I don't plan to ever make you angry with me.

Madly in love with me is how I'll be keeping you." "Hmmm, that sounds nice," she said, kissing his cheek, then his neck. "Can I have a little demonstration, d'you thin.k?"

He groaned and sought her lips for a very heated kiss. "Your wish is my command," he said huskily a few minutes later. "And that's one request that I'll never get tired of hearing.,,

She looked up at him with love gleaming in her gray eyes. "Then show me, Derek. Show me now." He did, with the greatest pleasure.