He matched her bluntness. “Would those interests and hobbies involve other men?”
“Heavens, no.” Twin lines appeared between her brows. “Why would you think that?”
Her surprise seemed genuine…thank Christ.
He gave her a wry look. “What else would ‘freedom’ in marriage mean?”
“Oh…I see. Perhaps I did not express myself well.” Her cheeks turned the color of peaches, heightening the vivid sincerity in her eyes. “I believe fidelity is a requirement of marriage, my lord.”
“On that, we agree,” he said firmly.
“Not only will I be faithful to my vows, but I would also expect the same from my husband.”
He understood her message. It was, after all, as subtle as a dagger point.
“I was faithful during my first marriage.” Recalling the scene she’d witnessed between him and his former mistress, he cleared his throat. “And I have ended any arrangements I’ve been privy to since then.”
“Good.” Miss Garrity’s expression was adorably prim. “You might as well know that I am quite selfish and do not like to share. Anything.”
“Nor would I expect you to,” he said gravely. “This freedom you wish for then…”
“Pertains to my hobbies. I know you think I am a frivolous creature—”
“I do not think that.”
Her gaze was shrewd. “Don’t you?”
“That time you overheard me, I misspoke,” he admitted. “I think you are young, popular, and vivacious…in short, the opposite of me. Yet you also strike me as a lady who knows her own mind and acts according to her own code of honor. Your character is anything but frivolous.”
She came to an abrupt halt. “My lord.”
Hawk cocked his head. “Did I say something wrong?”
“On the contrary.” Her eyes shone. “I do believe that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.”
He couldn’t believe that to be true. Not when men had supposedly composed odes to her many graces. Yet there the chit was, staring at him in wonder.
“I meant every word,” he said gruffly.
She gave him a tremulous smile, then continued strolling. “The truth is that I am a lady with ambitions beyond marriage. No offense.”
“Why should I be offended?” Shrugging, he decided to be direct. “Marriage is not my sole purpose in life either. In fact, I had thought myself quite done with the institution.”
She canted her head. “Why is that?”
Because my first experience made me doubt my ability to be a good husband. Made me wonder if I am capable of giving a wife what she needs…and if I even want to.
“What is your view on love?” He flinched slightly; he had not meant to sound abrupt or dismissive.
Yet Miss Garrity seemed unfazed by his question.
“I am glad you brought up the subject,” she said earnestly. “For me, love is not a prerequisite for marriage. In fact, I think it may unduly complicate a relationship. It can lead to overprotectiveness and disappointment, two things I would rather do without. To my mind, an ideal marriage would be a partnership built on mutual respect. One in which a husband and wife would enjoy one another’s company and work toward shared goals, but also retain their privacy and freedom to pursue their own interests.”
Bloody hell…I could not have said it better myself.
He was astonished that she was proposing the exact kind of relationship he wanted. One in which he would have the benefits of marriage with none of the drawbacks. After Caroline’s death, his attempts to seek companionship had been abysmal failures. His partners had all wanted what he did not have left to give: love.
But Miss Garrity did not want his love. The things she desired—freedom, companionship, and respect—werehis to offer. Along with a title.
