“I have nothing to think about.” She narrowed her gaze as he led her around the dance floor. “No one save for us knows what happened. There is no reason for marriage.”
“Should you decide to marry in the future, your husband will know. I cannot believe he will take kindly to the discovery.”
Her breath caught, and a deep flush spread across her chest and up her neck. Anger flared in her blue eyes. “It is none of your business,” she said through clenched teeth.
“In fact, it is my business. I am the man who ruined you. It is my duty to marry you, and so, I will ask again…” His words trailed off as he leaned closer.
Her breath hitched, and he swore he saw a flash of something soft in her gaze. Some emotion he could not put a name to. Then it was gone as quick as it had come. He whispered in her ear, “Cordelia, marry me.”
“No.” She met his gaze for a moment, then looked away. “And I beg of you to cease asking, for my answer will not change.” She brought her eyes back to his. “You are under no obligation to me. You owe me nothing. I release you from any responsibility.”
“I never thought you to be daft.” He slid his hand up her back and drew her closer. “But, you are making me wonder if my assessment of you has been all wrong. Think of the future, Cordelia.”
She stiffened. “I have, and I do not wish to find myself shackled to you. If I marry, it will be to an honorable man and because we are in love. I will never marry a rogue.”
Her words sliced through him. She found him lacking—not good enough to marry. He released her. “Then you have made your choice.”
“I have,” she said, her voice firm.
“Very well. I shall not ask again.” Nathaniel turned and strode for the exit.
He pushed the hurt of her rejection into the recesses of his soul. He would accept her refusal for the gift it was. His conscience would remain clear, and he would carry on enjoying his freedom. It was to his benefit.
Where she was concerned—that well may be a different matter, but she’d made her choice. Hell, he’d proposed three times. There was nothing more he could do.
Nothing more he wanted to do. Not where Cordelia was concerned.
He would not dwell on her. She got whatever it was she had wanted—perhaps an adventure for the spinster—and he got to maintain his bachelorhood.
They had both won.
So why did he feel the heavy weight of loss?
