Page 60 of A Rogue to Resist
“How fortunate for you,” she managed, though the words felt like glass in her throat. “She seems a woman of intelligence and independence. Precisely the sort of bride who might suit your circumstances.”
“That was my initial assessment as well,” Drake agreed, his grey eyes never leaving her face. “She’s practical, direct, and has no romantic illusions about marriage. She suggested an arrangement that would satisfy the entail while allowing us both considerable personal freedom.”
Each word was like a small wound. Katherine forced herself to nod.
“A sensible proposal.”
“Remarkably so,” Drake continued. “She even addressed the matter of the western fields without prompting.”
That caught Katherine by surprise. “The boundary dispute? What concern is that of hers?”
“None, directly,” Drake replied. “But she was astute enough to recognize that the tension between Greythorne and Willow Park represents an ongoing drain on resources and attention—one that could be resolved through a clear agreement about respective rights and responsibilities.”
“How pragmatic,” Katherine said, unable to keep the edge from her voice. “Did she propose specific terms, or merely the general principle of resolution?”
Drake’s expression was unreadable. “She suggested that as countess, she would have no personal interest in the disputed lands. They could be formally transferred to Willow Park’s ownership in exchange for a nominal annual payment to acknowledge Greythorne’s technical claim.”
It was a perfectly reasonable solution—one that would give Katherine exactly what she had been fighting for since Drake’s arrival. The western fields would be hers, legally and unequivocally. The conflict that had defined their relationship from the beginning would be resolved.
She should have been pleased. Instead, she felt only a growing sense of loss.
“You must be relieved,” she said quietly. “To have found such a convenient solution to both your marital deadline and our boundary dispute.”
“Must I?” Drake countered, his voice equally low. “Is that what you believe I want, Katherine? A convenient solution?”
The use of her given name, here in this semi-public setting, startled her. “What else would you want? Lady Westmore offerseverything you need—wealth, social position, intelligence, and a pragmatic approach to marriage that aligns with your own stated preferences.”
“Everything except the one quality I find I cannot do without,” Drake replied, his gaze intensifying.
Katherine’s breath caught. “And what quality is that?”
Before he could answer, they were interrupted by the appearance of Lady Westmore herself at the terrace doors.
“Lord Greythorne,” she called, her voice carrying clearly across the space between them. “I believe we were discussing matters of mutual interest when you were called away.”
Drake did not immediately turn to acknowledge her, his eyes still fixed on Katherine’s face with an expression that sent her pulse racing.
“We were indeed, Lady Westmore,” he replied after a moment, finally turning toward the widow. “Though I find myself requiring more time to consider all possibilities thoroughly.”
Lady Westmore’s gaze moved between them, intelligent assessment in her dark eyes. “I see. Perhaps we might continue our discussion another time, then? Such important decisions deserve careful consideration.”
There was no resentment in her tone, only a certain knowing quality that suggested she understood the complexity of his situation.
“A sensible suggestion,” Drake agreed. “I appreciate your patience in the matter.”
Lady Westmore smiled slightly. “Of course.”
With a graceful nod to Katherine, she withdrew, leaving them alone on the terrace once more.
Katherine stared after her, confused by the exchange. “She seemed remarkably understanding about the postponement.”
“Lady Westmore is astute enough to recognize when a conversation requires... deferment,” Drake replied. “Unlike Captain Halston,” Katherine observed.
“Unlike Captain Halston,” Drake agreed. “Though his presence today has clarified certain matters for me.”
“In what way?” Katherine asked, uncertain of his meaning.
Drake turned back to her, his expression suddenly resolute. “In making me recognize that I cannot afford the luxury of indecision any longer. Not with Greythorne at stake.”
