In desperation Claire asked Dane to marry her

Her adoptive grandfather had left Claire his entire estate on the condition that she marry one of his grandsons.

But he must have forgotten that the free-spirited Dane Visconti, though long banished from the family's realm, still qualified. And Claire had always idolized and trusted Dane.

With his worldly reputation, Claire conceded Dane was not the marrying kind, so when he agreed she promised to make no demands on him. But Dane made no promise in return - and insisted on a few conditions of his own.