And, if he kissed her as he had just done, how would it feel if he…
She squirmed on the settee, an uncomfortable ache forming between her legs.
But she was not supposed to desire Fletcher.
“What are we to do?” she asked.
“We?”
“Did you hate kissing me?”
“No. On the contrary.”
Louisa took a deep breath. “You’ve never…that is, you and I have always enjoyed our friendship, but it never felt like, I never expected of you… I don’t know what I’m trying to say.”
“Are you asking me something?”
“I’m old. Well, not old, but I’m a fair number of years from being a debutante, and I have somehow escaped the curse of being labeled a spinster, although I know much of thetonviews me as an eccentric. But the truth is that I’ve had a few seasons with no proposals, so when Rotherfeld showed interest, I thought, well, here is my future. Here is a man who wants me and is willing to offer for me, even if I may be on the older side, even if I may be a bit odd. But since he proposed, nothing has played out the way I expected.”
“What did you expect?”
“I expected… more. I thought I’d be happier. But instead, I have doubts.”
Fletcher nodded slowly.
“What are you thinking?” she asked.
“I shouldn’t say it.”
“Please tell me.”
He frowned. “I didn’t want to do this, because I don’t want you to feel pressure, and who you marry should beyourchoice.”
“But?”
“If remaining unmarried is your fear, you have nothing to fear.”
“How can you say that?”
Fletcher hesitated, but he said, “Put it this way. I know that you and I have a relationship that is not physical or romantic, but we are great friends and never run out of things to talk about. So if you decide to end your relationship with Rotherfeld, and if you cannot find another husband, I will marry you.”
At first, Louisa was excited by the idea. It made a lot of sense. She and Fletcher were fond of each other. That kiss showed they had some sparks between them. She would be willing to bet Fletcher would be able to pleasure her in bed the way Rotherfeld never would. They could make a marriage work.
But then she heard what he’d actually said.If. “I’m not…you shouldn’t settle for me.”
“That’s not what I’d be doing.”
“I don’t need your pity, either.” Anger and hurt mounting, Louisa stood back up. She ran to the door and shouted, “Hoskins. I’m ready to leave. Ready my carriage.”
He’d been sitting on a chair near the front door, snoozing. He startled awake and said, “Yes, my lady.”
“Louisa, wait, what are you doing?” Fletcher said.
“I don’t need you to offer for me just because I have no other prospects. I’d rather be a spinster than have you offer for me out of pity.”
“It’s not pity! I—”
“I heard what you said.IfI break off my engagement to Rotherfeld, andifI can’t find anyone else because I’m too homely and charmless to find a husband,thenyou will consider offering for me out of the goodness of your heart.”
