All the wandering he’d done, all the diversion he’d entrenched himself in, hadn’t altered that simple truth.
He couldn’t go home having failed in that and face all that bloody wedded bliss alone once more.
And he wouldn’t.
He would marry. Sooner rather than later. Perhaps not for love but for that alone. For companionship. Friendship. A family of his own to keep him in good company.
“James, dear?”
“I’m ready to marry, Maggie,” he said pushing out of his chair to pour himself a celebratory glass of Scotch.
Maggie beamed in pleasure. “How lovely. I’ve been working on a new list of possibilities—”
“No, need. I’ve already chosen my bride.”
“You’ve a devilish look in your eye,” Maggie said, a hint of trepidation in the words. “What are you thinking?”
“I’m going to marry Mrs. Eames.”
“Oh no.”
“Oh yes.”
He might not love her but he liked her immensely. She’d be a boon companion for the rest of his years. With her came an instant family. Children who would be easy to adore.
And he desired her to boot. It would be no sacrifice to vow her his fidelity, something he refused to enter into marriage without.
Aye, she might not have all the qualities he’d hoped for, but then, according to Maggie, no one ever would. It could still be good for them. She’d give him what he was looking for.
He could do the same for her.
“After what happened the other night?”
“Despite it.”
He hadn’t heard or seen Prim since then, but she hadn’t returned the flowers that had accompanied his written apology. Nor had she written to decline the invitation to the Reformation Room he’d delivered at the Harkness Ball.
“Have you asked her?”
“No,” James admitted, swallowing a large portion of the drink. “And before you say anything else, I know you think she won’t have me.”
“She won’t. James…dear…”
“She will,” he shot back with equal assurance.
“She wants respect.”
“I respect her. Admire her even.”
“She fights for equality.”
James nodded. “And she can continue to do so. Hell, I’ll join the fight with her. Come what may, she’d have it in our home in any case.”
James knew he was man enough not to lose any of his masculinity by taking stock in a woman’s opinion.
“She wants independence.”
He wanted her to come into her own and be her own woman so in a certain sense, he’d give her that as well.
