Yes. Torture was definitely what she had in store for him. But perhaps some of it would be pleasant. “Miss Weatherby, I’ve spoken to your brother and explained our predicament. He’s agreed to a union between us.”
The corners of her mouth tightened into a disapproving frown, and she pulled away from him. “Oh, he did, did he?”
Colin scrambled to recover.Woo her.Women liked pretty words in addition to pretty flowers. “But what’s most important is whatyouwant. Our acquaintance, although brief, did not get off to the best of starts.”
She gave an unladylike snort of laughter.
Right. “Very well. It got off to a terrible start. However, if you will give me another chance, I believe we would make a good match. My daughters like you.” He couldn’t help but chuckle that Cassie no doubt had played a part in the whole situation. “And I believe you like them.”
“I do. But I wouldn’t be marrying them, would I?”
“Perhaps you might grow to like me? As I said, I admit we...that is, I may not have been at my best when we met.” There, he placed the blame for their contentious relationship squarely upon his shoulders. “I promise I’m not the ogre youperceive me to be. I will do my utmost to make you a good husband.”
He took one more fortifying breath, grateful she had remained silent so that he could finish his proposal. “Miss Weatherby, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
CHAPTER 14
Speechless. For once in her life, Anne was at a loss for words—or should she sayword?All at once, the room—which was actually quite large—closed in on her, as if the grump’s masculine energy took up all the space. She couldn’t breathe, and it reminded her of the storage closet. Which caused her predicament to begin with.
The question dangled in the air between them. A simple yes or no was all it required.
But which should it be?
She weighed the arguments for each. In yes’s favor, it wasn’t as if she had numerous suitors vying for her hand. Like a mouse released from a trap, even Lord Fairchild had scurried away due to her age, and she certainly wasn’t getting any younger.
There were Lord Moody-Manning’s daughters, as he had said, and she liked them exceedingly well. Her heart went out to the motherless girls who needed a bit of fun and laughter in their lives. Something she could bring them. Solid yes.
Honoria would be her sister by marriage. Sweet, kind Honoria, who forgave her for her foolish belief that Burwood desired an attachment with her.
Traits of the man himself also placed several ticks in theyescolumn. Handsome, titled, as Alice had pointed out—although Anne still questioned thekindpart—Lord Grumpy-Trousers was not merely her only suitor; he was a suitable suitor.
Suitable suitor. Why did they both start with suit? Words. Who could understand them?
He raised an eyebrow but remained silent.
Which reminded her she should balance the argument with thenos.
They barely tolerated each other, and she had dearly hoped for a love match. One for thenocolumn.
Handsome though he might be, she had little in common with him. It was as if he had a perpetual rain cloud stationed above his head, following him around, exacerbating his scowling visage and bad temper. And she couldn’t forget his propensity for knocking her to the ground and into a lake. Although truth be told, she’d managed the last on her own.
A decidedly solid mark forno.
But there had been another side to him when they were locked away together. A gentle, calming man who soothed her frayed nerves and kept her distracted as they waited.
Another mark in the yes column.
Above all else, that kiss. Definitely in the yes column.
“Miss Weatherby?” No irritation or impatience tainted his question. In fact, he smiled. And oh, what a lovely smile it was! Not crooked like Burwood’s, but a gentle curve of lips that was entirely Colin Bell. His green eyes sparkled as he gazed down at her.
With that, he tipped the scale.
“I’m not getting any younger; an answer would be most welcome. Especially if you wish to marry me while I’m in my prime.”
Touching one of the velvety rose petals, she returned his smile. “Yes. Lord Manning, I will marry you.”
“Thank goodness. I was beginning to fear you would turn me down.” His smile widened into a grin.
