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“What’s so funny?” she asked again, except this tiht s on his sleeve “Tell me”

He shrugged helplessly “I’m happy,” he said, and he realized it was true He’d enjoyed himself in his life, and he’d certainly hadsince he’d felt this—happiness, cootten the sensation

She placed her hand abruptly on his brow “Are you feverish?” she muttered

“I’m fine” He pulled her into his arms “I’m better than fine”

“Gareth!” she gasped, ducking away as he swooped down for a kiss “Are you mad? We’re in the middle of Dover Street, and it’s—”

He cut her off with a kiss

“It’s the ht,” she spluttered

He grinned devilishly “But I’ to marry you next week, remember?”

“Yes, but—”

“Speaking of which,” he murmured

Hyacinth’s mouth fell open as he dropped down to one knee “What are you doing?” she squeaked, frantically looking this way and that Lord St Clair was surely peeking out at them, and heaven only kneho else was, too “Someone will see,” she whispered

He seemed unconcerned “People will say we’re in love”

“I—” Good heavens, but how did a woainst that?

“Hyacinth Bridgerton,” he said, taking her hand in his, “will you marry me?”

She blinked in confusion “I already said I would”