“Well, we do have a king and a very impressive flag,” Cassandra told him dryly. “Apparently that’s all it takes to conquer the world.”
“I’d like to think there’s a bit more to it than that,” Devlin muttered. “Hong Kong has become an impressive city under our rule. Although I do sometimes wonder if we haven’t benefited more than they have. Without a solid foothold in China, the English might not be drinking tea, and that, I daresay, would have changed our entire culture.”
“One shudders to think of it,” Cassandra said with mock horror.
Devlin chuckled. “Indeed.” They crossed the grass leading down to the lake, following the gentle slope until Clearview sat a good hundred yards behind them, secluded by trees and rhododendrons. “I began traveling so I could escape my father and the life he insisted I lead. Later, I stayed away for other reasons.”
“But never permanently.”
“No.” He smiled wryly. “My work invariably forces me home.”
While his voice was light with humor, Cassandra sensed a hint of displeasure that suggested he’d rather be elsewhere.
“And while England does have its merits,” he added, “nothing can beat a stroll along a tropical beach.” Releasing her arm, he stepped in front of her so they could face each other. “Imagine swimming in turquoise blue water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom. Consider the pleasure of sitting beneath the shade of a palm tree while a warm breeze wafts lazily over your skin.”
Cassandra’s pulse quickened. Not because of what he was saying, but because of the gleam in his eyes as they gazed into hers. And because his voice had dropped to a low, seductive timbre.
“Try to envision a place where you can have sweet, juicy pineapples every day, not to mention mangoes, bananas, and a whole host of other things Europeans consider a luxury.”
“You make it sound like paradise.”
His lips curled into a roguish smile. “It is, and I would love nothing better than to show it to you.” He took a step closer, causing her to catch her breath. “Marry me, Cass, and I will take you to places you never dreamed existed.”
“I already told you—”
“I know,” he said, his gaze so intense it heated her blood. “But think of Penelope.” He held up one hand to stave off her protest. “What prospects will she have as your bastard daughter?”
The question poked at a wound so deep, Cassandra instinctively turned away in anger. Her intention was to leave and be done with this aggravating discussion, but Devlin caught her by her elbow and pulled her back.
“Let me,” she began, only to stop when she saw his somber expression.
“With my name,” he said, “and the dowry I intend to give her, she has a chance of marrying well.”
Cassandra swallowed convulsively. Until this moment she’d had no doubt about her ability to turn down Devlin’s suit. But he was now offering something more than marriage - something so important she feared her resolve. Because when it came to Penelope’s future, her happiness and wellbeing, there was little Cassandra wouldn’t do to ensure it.
“My life is here, at Clearview,” she told him weakly.
“It doesn’t have to be.”
A nervous shiver swept over her shoulders. “So Penny and I would go with you?”
“If you and I marry I’ll not want to live apart, so yes, you and Penny will join me on my next voyage.”
Excitement mixed with trepidation as she considered his words and what they implied. “I...I won’t be the sort of wife you want or deserve.” When he said nothing to this, she hastily added, “My heart will always belong to another.”
“To Penelope’s father, I presume?”
She nodded.
“I see no issue with that.” When she stared at him blankly he said, “We’re not marrying for love, Cass, but I do think the friendship we share will result in a happy union. Most importantly, I believe it will help with your reputation.”
“But surely...” She looked askance at the ripples traversing the surface of the lake. Her heart knocked wildly against her ribs. How could she inquire about his expectations pertaining to the marital bed without—
“Surely what?” Somehow, he managed to sound both curious and charming.
Cassandra cleared her throat. “Well...um...” She coughed. “If I agree to this, I would like for us to have separate beds.”
“Separate beds?”
