“Mrs. Baird makes it each year,” he supplied. “From the oranges we order from Spain for Christmas. There are always too many to eat fresh.”
“And it is perfect. Not too sweet, and the taste of the fruit is robust,” Aunt Fanny said. Without a moment’s hesitation, she continued. “I wonder, my lord, if I might be so bold as to ask your cook about her recipe. I would not dream of interrupting her work, but…”
Opportunity arrived and Joshua would not waste it.
In fact, he found a new admiration for Lady Dalhousie’s tendency to blunt speech.
“Of course.” He rang and Fairfax appeared, then escorted Lady Dalhousie toward the kitchens at his request. They would not be gone long.
“Goodness,” Miss Emerson said. “My aunt must trust you beyond all to leave me alone in your presence, sir.” She took a scone and smiled at him.
Joshua moved to take the seat beside Miss Emerson and she looked up at him from her scone, her surprise clear. “I would seize this chance to ask you, Miss Emerson, to do me the honor of becoming my wife.”
Miss Emerson put down her scone and studied him. “I beg your pardon?”
Had he been too blunt himself?
“I propose that you might become my wife,” he repeated.
She stared at him, as if his words were incomprehensible.
Perhaps she wished to hear the arguments enumerated that were in his favor.
“There are many indications in favor of the association. I believe that you approve of Addersley. Your brother has given his blessing…”
“You told Nicholas before asking me?”
“It is customary, Miss Emerson, and only rational to ascertain whether you had any previous commitments or understandings.”
She inhaled sharply, though he could not reason why. “And you believe itrationalthat we should wed, even after such brief acquaintance?”
Ah, he had offended her romantic notions. He nodded, undeterred. “There is much of merit in the potential union. Your future would be assured and I would have a wife. Your lack of a dowry is of no concern to me. I would, naturally, hope for the blessing of children in short order…”
“No,” she said and he stared in surprise. She set aside her tea cup and rose to her feet, her voice gaining vigor as she continued. “No, I will not marry you, sir. Icannotmarry you.”
Joshua was perplexed. “Whyever not? It is a rational and reasonable match.”
Miss Emerson’s expression was resolute, though Joshua could not understand her conviction. “I do not know much of you, sir, but I am already convinced that we are utterly unsuitable to each other. No. I must decline your offer.”
If she was concerned about her own contributions to the match—or lack of them—he would set her fears to rest. “But Miss Emerson, do consider the matter…”
“No!” she repeated more forcefully. “Idecline, sir.”
“But you cannot. Your aunt clearly favors the match.”
“Yet I have declined,” she said, her eyes flashing furiously. She straightened. “I thank you, sir, for your consideration and for flattering me with your attention, but I refuse your suit, utterly and unequivocally. If this means you will keep the puppy, I am sorry to hear as much, but you must do as you see fit.”
Joshua frowned. Miss Emerson strode toward the door with purpose, the sound of her aunt’s voice drawing nearer. “But why?” he asked again. “To decline is not logical, given your circumstance.”
She looked back at him, more regal than he might have expected in one so young. “I will not wed for logic or good sense, or even a secure future, sir. I will wed forlove.”
What nonsense was this? “I beg your pardon?”
There was a decidedly stubborn set to her mouth. “I decline because I do not love you and you do not love me.”
“Surely affection between man and wife grows with time.”
“It might, in some situations,” Miss Emerson ceded. “But I will never love a man who does not dance. It is simply not possible.” She shook her head. “We will not suit, sir.”
