Page 14 of Yours Truly, the Duke
Until now, if…
She mentally shook herself. Marriage to a duke hadnever entered her mind. It was still preposterous to even consider. “I don’t know,” she said, feeling she couldn’t make a snap decision, no matter how tempting it was. “You’ve obviously had time to think about this and consider all the possibilities that might arise.”
“Not much longer than you,” he admitted. “I had hoped you would have some time to think on this today as well, but—”
Puzzled, she asked, “But what?”
He shrugged. “The letter I sent.”
Yes. She supposed that was neither his fault nor hers. But she wasn’t sure a few hours would have made much difference. The answer to his proposal would take a great deal of serious thought.
“Everything you’ve said so far is to my benefit. What are you expecting from me in return?”
“The only thing I ask of you is fidelity.”
“Fidelity?” she challenged, outrage spreading all the way to her core. How dare he! Not caring to hide her indignation, she contested, “I beg your pardon, sir. You do me an injustice.”
He seemed to weigh what she said, before answering, “My apologies, but you asked.”
She wouldn’t have if she’d had any inkling what his answer might be.
On the other hand, his words held a ring of sincerity. She searched his eyes and saw no hidden meaning or accusation in his words, so she gave him a brief nod of acceptance. What he was offering was more than she was expecting from anyone on her list. Most especially not having to live with him as his wife. For some time to come. That offer seemed too good to be true, but indeed, if it was, she’d be foolish not to say yes immediately. Especially since it appeared she could now mark Mr. Maywaring off her list.
Still, she hesitated, not yet wanting to give in to any of his arguments until she could further study the matter. She was marrying because of necessity and always thought she’d have more time. Not only that, it was also a huge decision to marry someone of such great title and wealth. She had never been schooled to be a duchess. Only a handful of young ladies would be each Season.
Ladies whose pedigrees and dowries far exceeded hers.
“What you offer is substantial. It would be desirable to stay here where the children are familiar with their surroundings. How much time do I have to think about this arrangement with you?”
“Not long. I will admit that you are in a more favorable position than I am.”
“You jest, Your Grace.” She puffed out a short laugh. “How can you say that with a straight face?”
“It’s true. You have the liberty of time. I do not. Yesterday a codicil to my grandmother’s will was read. If I’m not wed by Friday, I will lose my inheritance from her.”
“Friday? I don’t believe you. That’s preposterous.”
“As we speak, my solicitor is making all the necessary arrangements for me to marry you. I’ve no time to waste and will be cutting it close to the clock with timing of the banns as it is.”
Fredericka wasn’t the kind of person who made rash decisions. She wanted all the facts, the little details, and plenty of time to think over whatever she was facing.
Would no husband at all give her a better chance at keeping the children than a wild duke who lived onlyfor his own pleasures? Would a very attractive duke be a better husband than a man prone to sniff every other breath? Of that she was sure.
In reality, the duke’s proposal sounded cold. An impersonal business arrangement. Not even the pretense that it was anything more. Nothing like she’d imagined it would be should she ever have anyone offer for her hand. But really, what had she ever imagined about courting, romance, and marriage other than a young girl’s fancy to think about a young man who loved poetry as much as she did? There was a time that would have been a heavenly match. She had often imagined sitting in the garden under a shady tree with a handsome poet, his head in her lap while he read his latest verse to her.
But memories of those wistful thoughts were not helpful right now. Those possibilities had remained far from her thoughts for a long time and the past is where they needed to stay. She had to be as pragmatic concerning the duke as she’d been about the gentlemen on her now useless list of possible husbands.
She couldn’t think about herself and the kind of life she once dreamed about. That ended with her sister’s death. She now had to live for Angela’s beautiful children. Fredericka had to put aside a young girl’s dreams and consider what was best for her chances to win in Chancery. She’d be a fool to refuse a duke under ordinary circumstances, but the man standing before her was noordinaryduke.
“May I at least have the time it takes to drink a cup of tea to think this through?” she asked on a sigh of resignation.
As if sensing her conflict, he gave her an understanding smile. He moved closer to her and lifted his hand as if he were going to brush the backs of his fingers downher cheek. Her skin tingled at the mere possibility of his touch. Something halted him, and he dropped his hand to his side.
His action was unsettling but fascinating too. What would she have done if he had carried through and touched her?
“Perhaps I could wait that long,” he offered in a sincere tone.
“Excuse my interruption, Miss Hale.”
