Page 94 of A Mismatch Made in London

“Do you want children?”

It was a very important question to me, after all.

“Yes, of course.”

“How involved do you expect to be in your children’s lives?”

“I expect to be very involved. I want to see and speak with them every day, and I know it is uncommon, but I should very much like our children to take their meals with us, as often as possible, when we don’t have company.”

“And do you—”

“Wait, please.” He stopped me, a good-natured smile on his lips. “If I am to answer these questions, I’d like to hear your answers as well.”

“Fair enough. Yes, I want children, and I also plan to be very involved in their lives, from birth until they are grown, although I suspect I shall want to be involved in their lives even after they are grown. But I don’t wish to be one of those controlling mothers. I should like my children to make their own decisions when they are older. Everyone should have their freedom, as their age allows.”

“Yes, I agree,” he said. “Next question?”

“Do you expect to take a lover at any time during your marriage?”

“What a question. No, of course not. I will never be unfaithful to you. I could not.”

“Forgive me for asking, but it is so common that I thought I should ask.”

“And you? Do you expect to take a lover?”

“No. Never. I would never be unfaithful to my husband.”

“Hm. I notice you said to your husband, not to me.”

“I will not apologize for seeking to make an informed decision.”

He held up his hands. “It was only an observation. You have every right to take your time to make your decision.”

“Thank you.”

“And I do not even mind your testing me.”

“I wonder that you do not wish to test me.”

“I have observed you through this Season. I’ve seen your reactions and behaviors with a variety of people. I’ve seen your loyalty to my sister, even when she probably didn’t deserve it,” he said in a lowered voice. “You are the kind of woman I wish to marry. Of that I am certain. Besides, when one falls in love, one cannot simply stop. Love is stronger and more immovable than a star in the sky.”

“Did you just think of that?”

“I thought of it while I was in Shropshire, when I was looking at the night sky and wishing I was with you.”

Mrs. Wilson had fallen asleep in her chair and was quietly snoring.

“I believe I have learned not to try to take on the responsibility of making my sister happy, or anyone else. However, I do wish to take on the responsibility of loving you, Miss Amelia Moore, if you will allow it. That would make me happy, and I would very much like to see you happy.”

Was this Jeremy Beaumont, the man whom I’d so disliked? Everything he was saying now was just as I might have hoped and wished for, everything I could want a handsome, worthy gentleman to say to me.

Part of me wanted to stop trying so hard to test it and just enjoy it.

“I was looking forward to making the acquaintance of your father and mother and brothers and sisters. Do you think we might travel there soon, together? I still need to ask your father that very important question.”

“Yes,” I said, my breath leaving me at the thought of being in a carriage with him for hours.

Juliet suddenly stood up and said, “Timothy and I have decided to get married on Friday at ten o’clock in the morning, in Bedfordshire.”