Page 90 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“True. His eyes are very different. And I can’t make him out like I can you. You are different indeed.”
Relieved, Marc let out a long breath.
“But I could learn to like him for his differences.”
Marc tensed again. “How so?”
“Well, for example, he told me he thinks the royal family should delegate jobs more. I approve of that notion.”
Marc nodded. “I do too.”
“Just notyourresponsibilities?”
“Some cannot be delegated. It wouldn’t be fair to ask another to do those things.”
She didn’t seem to like the sound of that.
“I can do them best and safest. It’s too important. You will have to trust me. In all my agony, I’m still choosing the greater good here.”
“What if your happiness is the greater good? What ifwecould be the greater good?” She was bold, but her hands shook slightly, and he could see her face warming again.
“We are not the greater good. Again, you will have to trust me. I’m not asking you to wait. I’m not saying I willeverbe able to step away. What I’m saying is that you should find happiness—safe, homey happiness—and grab on to it tightly. You deserve it. Any one of my brothers would provide an excellent home and relationship and family for you. You will be welcomed in as a Wilhelm and, I’m proud to say, will be loved and cared for as one of our own.”
Rhi sniffed. “I know.”
“Oh no, are you crying?”
She shook her head, but it was obvious that tears were about to fall.
“Are these happy tears?” he asked hesitantly.
She shrugged. “I don’t even know.” She wiped her eyes, but then she leaned her head against Firestorm and her shoulders started shaking.
Her horse nickered and turned to rest her head at Rhi’s side.
And Marc resisted only a brief moment before hurrying around and pulling her into his arms. “Don’t cry. Don’t.”
“I’m all right. I’m wonderful. Everything is just so good.”
He patted her back and held her close, not believing a word of it. And died a little inside at the thought that comforting her was not his right or his duty or even his pleasure. That it would fall to another man. “It will get better. Every day will be better.”
She nodded against him.
And then he made a bold decision. “Meet me on your balcony tonight.”
She pulled away. “What?” She studied him, looking both pleased and wary.
“I have to say goodbye. And then you and I can move on.”
“I don’t think I could refuse you anything.” She wiped her eyes.
“It might be late, but I’ll tap on your window.”
“Thank you. I’ve needed this.” She wiped her eyes.
“Soon you won’t be lonely. My family has a way.”
“I know.” She stepped away and put her brush in a bucket. “Let’s put Firestorm in a stall. I need to ready myself for this dinner.”
