Page 41 of The Wise Daughter
“I for one,” Aaron said smoothly, “consider myself very fortunate that I was more successful in my suit. Now, Mr. Hansley, why don’t you explain to me more about the chapel’s needs.”
Like that, Nora could breathe again.So it’s true,she thought.He doesn't care about rumors.The rest of dinner carried on easily enough. Her father settled into a quiet contemplativeness and said nothing else too mortifying. When the Hansleys thanked Aaron for hosting them and drove away in their carriage, Mr. Lacy excused himself as well,claiming to be exhausted from the day’s labors, scratching his cheek as he gave his explanation.
With Aaron and Nora standing alone in the castle’s drafty entrance, he took her hand and kissed it as naturally as if he had done it a hundred times.
“I apologize for my father, Aaron.”
“Not your fault, Nora.” He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “Before you escape to your room for the night, I find myself eager to be enlightened on a particular subject.”
Her stomach tightened. “Oh?”
“Lord Newberry.”
Nora smirked past her mortification.He doesn’t care about the gossip!She could simply make another jest. “If you want to know more about him, I suggest you ask Locket. She knows all about Lord Newberry.”
A playful glint sparked in Aaron’s eyes, one she was coming to know well.
“Well, that first night, she did describe to me in great detail Lord Newberry’s wealth and prominence in West Riding. She even told me about a time when he tried to ensnare you for a third dance.”
Nora glared. “Locket would never say such things. My father has been talking more than I realized.”
Aaron laughed. “Well, I hope you find me an improvement on Lord Newberry.”
“Oh, quite, I assure you. If I had to make the decision to marry you on that point alone, it would be no contest.” When his smile widened, she cleared her throat and quickly added, “Of course, that is no reason to boast. Nor is it my only criteria for a husband.”
The look he gave her plucked at her heart like a grape being picked from a vine.
“Besides not wanting to share you with other dance partners, what were your objections to the man? As your future husband, I am quite motivated to ensure I do not make the same mistakes.”
One more laugh and the jesting was gone. Aaron’s eye still held playfulness, but a deeper earnestness settled into his gaze and glowed even in the dim light. Nora fought against all the discomfort of her flaring cheeks and tried to ignore the footing his words were gaining in her mind.Future husband… wedding tour… future husband.
How could he be so sure of a future together?
“It won’t be difficult. Lord Newberry’s first offense, which wasn’t even his fault, was that he was old enough to be my father.”
“What? The old rake! Anything else I should be aware of?”
Nora hadn’t intended to name any other flaw, but one more thing did come to mind. “Yes actually. Lord Newberry liked to make wagers on occasion.”
“Also like your father.”
“Exactly. I know it’s common enough, but I detest even the smallest gamble. It is the one habit I cannot abide.”
“I’ve gathered that much. Is that the reason why no man has yet captured your heart?”
Nora stopped and stared at him, feeling as if she had tripped, though she remained perfectly still. His question seemed to echo throughout the great hall and rang in her ears.
“What do you mean?”
“You are the sort of woman I imagine would have been snatched up by marriage long ago, unless you had good reason to avoid being captured.” He arched a brow.
For a moment Nora wasn’t sure he expected an answer, but when he said nothing more, she gathered her thoughts.
“It’s true I’ve avoided a fair number of marriage opportunities over the years. To love and be loved are all I ever desired. I never received any offer that truly tempted me until…”
She trailed off. The terms of their engagement tumbled to her mind, and she was suddenly ashamed.
He cleared his throat. “Is gambling a matter you would break our engagement over?”
