I will have plenty of time to explore the manor if it is to be my future home. I would rather take advantage of what little freedom I have left.
She walked around the side of the house, going down a walking path, and led her to the park behind the house. She drank in thequiet as she looked around the peaceful landscaping. She started to walk in the direction of the distant sound of rushing water.That river is not too far from here. I can easily walk there.
She cringed as she remembered the way she foolishly jumped into the river to save a dog that did not need saving. She could not believe that such a foolish event would have such an impact on her life.
As she walked down a path that would take her to the river, a deep voice behind her made her jump out of her skin.
“Are you plotting to run away?”
Marina spun around to look at Evan, who was staring at her with a neutral expression, as if he did not care one way or the other.
The absurdity of his question sank into her, and she let out a disbelieving laugh. “Do you truly think I have such an option?”
“I do not think it,” he said. “Iknowyou do.”
She shook her head.Unbelievable.“You truly think that, don’t you? You have no idea what choices women really have, especially when they are daughters from families without sons.”
Something flickered in his expression before his face was a mask of perfect neutrality once again. “Perhaps it would be best if you rejected my proposal after all,” he said, his tone cool. “I would rather not have a wife who fought with me all of the time.”
Irritation prickled under her skin. “I am not trying to fight with you, Your Grace. And unfortunately, I am not rejecting your marriage proposal.” She tried to match his cool tone and neutral expression, but she knew it must look like a paltry facade compared to his own.
He cast his eyes over her as if she were a puzzle he had yet to solve. “I never would have expected a ruined lady to oppose a marriage proposal.”
“That is because you are arrogant and cold. You clearly do not know the first thing about emotions.”
The corner of his mouth lifted up in almost a smile. “I have heard that before. All I am doing is stating facts.”
She scoffed. “Yes, I am sure you pride yourself on spouting as many rational facts as you can.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You act as if that is a bad thing.”
“It’s not.” She faltered, trying to get her mind in order. Evan seemed capable of effectively scattering her thoughts without even trying. “Human beings are not always rational,” she finally said. “Everyone has emotions, and ignoring them does no one any good.”
“I am always rational. I take great pride in it.” He stepped closer, his expression inquisitive. “What do you value most, if it’s not rationality?”
“Idovalue rationality, but I also value other things. Humans are complex creatures, after all.” She crossed her arms in front of her protectively, but managed to keep from turning away from his scrutinizing gaze altogether.Why does he pay me so much attention?
Evan kept speaking while changing the subject. “I assume you have agreed to go through with the wedding because you are at a dead end.”
She nodded. “Yes. It is either this or go to finishing school in America.”
“The thought did not sound so bad to you yesterday.”
She looked away, unable to maintain eye contact any longer. “Yes, but I have had more time to think about it since then. I do not really want to go to America. I would rather stay in England, where I can be closer to my sisters. Besides, I get seasick. A voyage across the ocean does not sound pleasant.”
He nodded. “I am glad you were able to think more logically about your situation.”
Marina resisted the urge to roll her eyes at his words. They sounded like something her mother would say after Marina gave in to her ludicrous demands about one imaginary issue or another. But there was no malice or triumph in Evan’s tone. He sounded truly pleased about her decision.
Such a strange man. But not a bad one.
Evan paused speaking, but when it was clear she had nothing to say, he continued in an affable tone. “It will be best for us to leave the past behind us now. No more fighting. And you do not have to worry about me making advances on you. I want a stable environment for my daughter. Nothing else.”
Daughter.
Marina inhaled sharply at the word. She had no idea that he had a daughter. She had never heard any mention of one before. All she had heard about him was that he was heartless.It is hard to picture him as a father.“Daught—” She stopped herself at the last moment. Her cheeks heated up with embarrassment.Perhaps I am asking too much. I should not press for details.
But Evan did not seem to mind. “Yes,” he said. “I have a daughter. Her name is Lilly. She is five years old.” He put his hands in his pockets. “My main reason for remarrying is to provide her with a stable environment.”
