Page 15 of The Wise Daughter
Nora still didn’t understand what any of this had to do with marriage. “If you want to know the people, Your Grace, why not simply visit them?”
“It should be a simple matter. Yet, it isn’t. You must understand. Carver was my late father’s steward and trusted friend. In my father’s final letter, he urged me to heed Carver’s advice as I learned my responsibilities, which are far greater than I ever would have expected. Out of respect for my father, I cannot completely dismiss Carver’s counsel, nor could I have done so without neglecting some portion of my dukedom. I’ve relied on him a great deal, but I’ve also learned a great deal. Over the past few months we’ve settled into a routine withexpectations, which I have found difficult to break out of, but if I were engaged to be married…”
“You would have a strong reason to be among the people, introducing your–” She swallowed– “bride-to-be, regardless of what your steward advises.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“And you would have a genuine need to reorganize the manner in which your household is run.”
“Yes.”
So, he didn’t want a wife. He wanted an excuse to put his steward in his place. Perhaps he was a coward after all.Nora stiffened under her wet things. “Instead of a bride, maybe you need only a reminder that you already have the authority to overrule your steward.”
“That may be true.” He moved toward her slowly, almost as if he were nervous, and took her hand again. “But what if I am offering you my hand because I also think it will lead to my happiness?”
She pulled her hand out of his grasp. “Is that what you are doing? Thinking ofyourhappiness?” His eyes were too intense. She had to look away. She wasn’t ready for this. Her feet ached. Her stomach rumbled, and she was wet and cold even with his coat on. How could any lady consider a marriage proposal under such circumstances?
“I should also mention one other matter. There is a provision in my father’s will that places guardianship over my inheritance in the hands of my scrupulous solicitor until I either reach the age of thirty, which is five years away, or until I marry.”
“Ah, so that is the real reason for this proposal.” Already, her mind was weaving theories as to why his father felt such a provision was necessary.
“I hope to convince you that isn’t how I view this. Among priorities, it is the lesser of my reasons for wanting to marry. I forget the provision is there half the time. It’s merely a formality when I usemy funds, but I mention it so you know you will be doing me this small service as well.”
“How straightforward of you.” Her lower lip began to tremble. How had such a decision come upon her? The weight of it all blew in like a cold wind, shaking her in a sudden, fierce shiver.
“Miss Lacy, you’re freezing. I’m a fool, aren’t I?” The duke ran his fingers through his hair and clenched a fistful as he released a sigh. “You’re tired and must be in want of refreshment, and I haven’t even invited you to sit.”
Nora looked at the fine furniture and tugged his coat tighter around herself. “I don’t wish to sully anything. What I really want is a chance to clean myself and rest.”
“I assure you, the chairs are nothing to your comfort. I’m sorry to be such a miserable host, but I had hoped to settle this momentous decision tonight. I know my proposal isn’t very romantic.”
“Hardly.”
Did he see her roll her eyes this time? When would he pause to considerherhappiness? As if accepting a challenge, he inhaled deeply, fixing his face with a resolute determination, and took both her hands.
“I am in earnest, Miss Lacy. I detest London society and can’t stand the mere thought of searching for a bride amidst meddling gossips. I’m in mourning. I wish to have my future settled. Please understand, I do not make this decision lightly. I would not choose just anyone. I’m an honorable man, and I find in you a woman who conducts herself with kindness and grace, even in uncomfortable circumstances.”
Uncomfortable wasn’t a strong enough word to describe what she felt. If it weren’t for the fire, she was sure her teeth would be chattering, and if it weren’t for her pride, she might have already escaped his company.
The duke continued, undeterred. “I desire a woman who is lovely, as you are, and who possesses wit and generosity, which you have thoroughly demonstrated tonight. I would treat you well, and I wouldtry to make you happy. Would you please do me the honor of being my bride?”
“Your Grace…” Nora’s mouth went dry. So hewasconsidering her happiness. None of the marriage proposals she had received in the past had ever contained such promises.
“Aaron,” he said. “If we are to be married, you must call me Aaron.”
Her heart gave her insides a shake. Could she believe him? Could she trust him? To claim she had felt nothing for this stranger she had met on the riverbank would be a lie, but duke or no, he was still a stranger.
And she was about to become a beggar unless she did accept him. Romance was indisputably absent from the moment, but his proposal was refreshingly simple. If only she had more time to learn of his character.
“You still hesitate, Miss Lacy.”
“I…”
“What if I clarify the terms of my proposal? I recommend we become immediately engaged, and you allow me to announce it to the people. During our engagement, I shall court you properly, and we shall become better acquainted with one another.”
“Don’t you think that plan is just a bit out of order? What if you decide you don’t like me? You would live your entire life regretting this moment and despising me.”
He gave her a smoldering grin. “That is a risk I am willing to take.”
