She tensed. “Damned?” That sounded…dreadful, and she didn’t like him thinking she was damning him.
With a sigh, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Damned by my father, not you. Never you. I know you must have heard the rumors. They’re unfortunately true. He had a mistress, an Italian opera singer, and he passed away while in her company. It was a messy business.”
NeverShe had heard the rumors and the questions whispered as to whether he would follow in his father’s steps.
“Will marrying me make matters worse for you?” she asked quietly.
“Matters are already worse, but I won’t care about it if I have you. You matter more to me than society’s opinions. Damn them all if they think they can judge you for my father’s sins. You are wonderful, pure, brilliant. You’re not a mistress, not a thin
