She strolled toward him, her posture stiff and eyes full of defiance. “I wanted to be ruined.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “I do not want to be wed.”
“You cannot be serious.” His jaw ticked as he studied her.
She moved her hands to her hips and stared boldly at him. “I am most serious. I will not marry a man who does not truly want me. My actions were not meant to trap you, and I will not hear another word of this. We both got what we wanted. Let it end here.” She dropped her hands from her hips, and her expression softened. “Do not ruin this moment with talk of honor and marriage.”
Nathaniel heaved a sigh. He did not know what to make of her, but she obviously did not wish to announce their engagement. He should be pleased.
Still, her reaction somehow stung. He was a future earl, after all, and she was a spinster. The woman should be more than eager to shackle herself to him.
And yet, she refused.
He took a step closer, ready to argue further, but when he opened his mouth to speak, his words betrayed him. “Very well then,” he said, before giving a bow. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, Lady Daventry.”
