Page 65 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“Yes. If you must know, I was considering a return to my cottage. I know Uncle ordered me away, but he can’t do that, not really. I was happy there, if you recall.”
“No, I do not recall that. I recall your intense gratitude at having been rescued from that cottage. And didn’t you just yesterday express that you were ready to let all of it go?”
“Yes, but I worried that was exhaustion speaking. But, as you see, I didn’t leave.” She held out her hands, starting down the stairs, and Marc descended with her as she continued. “I’m still here because I remembered there is nothing more for me here. You have arranged it so my uncle is required to do well by the workers, which is all Father asked of me.” Her face crumpled a little before it cleared. “But this is all rather difficult. I know you understand how it is to feel bound by one’s duty to one’s family.” Her eyes sought his, and the hopeful expression weakened his strong desire to disapprove.
His shoulders lost a good amount of their tension. “Of course. I’m sorry if I sounded impatient. I do understand. I feel that same duty, that same pressure. But I have been gifted with a rather large family and have learned the benefit of allowing others to help.” Even as the words left his lips, he knew that was true only to a point. Some things he told no one. Some things he handled by himself.
“I see that. I am an only child and now an orphan. So perhaps you can understand...” Her lip wavered. “I’m sorry.” Her face crumpled as she turned away.
They reached the bottom of the stairs just then, and he pulled her into his arms. “No, I’m sorry. I’m sorry you are handling this alone. Please let us help.”
“You are helping.” She hiccuped. “You are doing everything. But am I doing what I should?”
“Yes.” He stepped away so that he might look into her face. He wiped a single tear from her cheek. Her brilliant eyes shone back at him. Her dark hair fell in tendrils around her face. “Please know youaredoing everything you should. More than you should. I’ve been quite impressed with your actions. Exasperated. But impressed.”
She laughed. He’d hoped she would. “And we will keep in touch with the mines,” she said, as though to remind herself. “Mr. Thomas will tell us if we need to intervene.”
“Yes, he will. I have full confidence in him.” They arrived at the entrance to the public rooms. “Now, breakfast,” he said.
“I’m afraid I was up rather early and am now raging with hunger,” she admitted.
“Let’s fix that emergency forthwith.” He placed her hand on his arm, and together they entered the main room in the inn.
The others had not arrived yet, so Marc was pleased to see he might get his earlier wish—a more intimate conversation with Rhianna.
As the waitress brought their meal and drinks, he made certain Rhianna was comfortable, with a full plate.
“Now we must discuss some things,” he said.
Her eyes widened, and she swallowed rather quickly but then just nodded.
“I hope you will make future decisions based on your own happiness,” Marc said.
She seemed taken aback but nodded again. “I will. I think.”
He drank from his tankard. “Our picnic.”
“Yes, you disappeared from the town house soon after.” Her gaze was accusing, questioning.
“I did. I was on my way back to Oldenburg.”
“You would have just left?”
“I thought you needed space to make your decision without my interference.”
“But you love interfering.” Her hands trembled slightly, belying her teasing tone. Her eyes turned wary.
He smiled. “I do not love interfering. I can understand that it might seem that way, but I most certainly do not love interfering.”
She looked as though she didn’t believe him. “And why would you need to be absent for me to make my decision?”
He studied her and then sighed. He couldn’t decide how much to reveal. “I think you and I have a certain trust, perhaps a familiarity? A... closeness?”
“Yes.”
He couldn’t say the words. He couldn’t admit to his deep attraction, his fascination with her, his love. “I believe that stems from my being the only person you know with a connection to your home.”
“It could, yes.”
