“If we marry, Miss Luna, I can protect you. I have connections and enough power to ensure that you, Isabel, and Gabby remain safe.” He yanked on his waistcoat, alarmed to find himself out of breath. “But aside from protection, as your husband I can offer you a comfortable life filled with opportunities to do good works and push forth reforms that would make this world a better place to live for all people. I would respect you, even more than I do now.”
