Miss Templeton straightened. “I did?”
“I recall it quite clearly.”
With a huff of a laugh, she shook her head. “That sounds familiar. But yes, I do not need marriage to be happy, but then, matrimony is contingent on more than my own choices, and one shouldn’t require something that is beyond one’s control to be happy. Thus, I do notneedit. But that doesn’t mean I do not want it.”
Arthur’s breath caught as he stared at her. “Then, you wish to marry? I asked you that question not long ago, and you dismissed the thought offhand.”
Miss Templeton’s smile grew wan. “It is difficult to remain happy when we fixate on that which we do not have, so I’ve worked hard to bury those desires. It is easier that way, else I would become like the other spinsters, whose entire life is defined by that loss. Every conversation and every thought revolves around what they long to have but cannot. I do not want to be like that.”
Drawing in a deep breath, she let the words out slowly, as though pulling them out from the deepest recesses of her heart. “But yes, I do want to marry. Very much so.”
And then, in a rush of words, she added, “Please do not breathe a word to anyone about my feelings. People already pity me for being a spinster. Should I ever admit that I yearn for a loving marriage, it would only make people pity me all the more.”
Pausing, Miss Templeton amended that with a dry tone, “Or they’d throw themselves into finding me a husband, and it is impossible to hold onto my joy when I am being tossed at hapless men, only to be rejected again and again. It is impossible to maintain one’s equilibrium in the face of disappointment. Better to embrace my life as it is. So, please do not breathe a word to anyone.”
“I promise. But surely, you cannot give up hope—”
Huffing, Miss Templeton shook her head. “Oh, believe me, Dr. Vaughn. I held out hope far longer than I ought to have. Gentlemen do not want a wife like me.”
“Rubbish,” spat Arthur, his brows pulling low.
But she held up a staying hand. “Please do not pander to me. I have had so many friends and family tell me over the years that I am lovely and all that nonsense, but it doesn’t alter the fact that I am too tall for any man to desire.”
“Don’t listen to that fool, Gadd,” said Arthur with a scowl. “From the moment I met him, I knew he was a half-wit. You are a perfect size.”
Miss Templeton laughed, her eyes alighting with pleasure as she gazed at him. “You are kind.”
“Kind nothing. You are an incredible woman. Intelligent and more capable than anyone I know. Thoughtful and generous—willing to take the very clothes off your back to help another. You make me feel comfortable and accepted as no one else ever has. And if all that was not enough, you are beautiful, with a smile that warms me to my core and the finest eyes I’ve ever seen.”
Her gaze fell away as he spoke, and as the words poured forth, her cheeks reddened, though her smile grew. That little sign of pleasure spurred him on, and Arthur drew in a deep breath, infusing his words with all the strength of his conviction.
“Any man with an ounce of sense would be lucky to have you as his wife.”
Miss Templeton stiffened, and her eyes snapped to his, her brows drawing tight together as she stared at him. A heaviness gathered in the air around them, whispering to Arthur that now was the time. He’d made his feelings known, and only one step remained.
That wretched tongue of his wanted to flee, but he held firm, demanding it obey him. He was master here, and he would not allow it to ruin things—
A knock on the door drew their attention, and the maid entered with a bob. “The carriage is ready for you, madam.”
“My thanks, Jane. I will be down shortly.” Miss Templeton rose to her feet, and Arthur’s pulse stuttered.
The moment was slipping away.
Grabbing her by the hand before she turned away, he blurted, “Would you join me on a picnic tomorrow? On our bridge?”
Miss Templeton turned back to look at him with a faint smile on her lips. “Of course.”
“You would?”
“You needn’t sound so surprised, Dr. Vaughn.” The lady’s tone held a hint of a laugh. “If you haven’t noticed of late, I enjoy your company and am always glad for a reason to secure it.”
Were there sweeter words? Arthur couldn’t think of any as he still held her hand in his. But his own fell short as he tried to think of how to convey the pleasure that coursed through him, weaving into his bones and sinew until he felt as though he were an entirely new man. Lifting her hand to his lips, Arthur pressed a kiss to her knuckles, his gaze holding hers as she blushed all the more.
“Are you available at one?” he whispered.
“Yes.”
“Then until tomorrow, Miss Templeton.”
