“Make the other choice,” Drake said, “and you live a comfortable life with a husband and children who adore you, and many friends. You are not invited everywhere, but you are invited to events hosted by those you like and who like you in return.”
Livy must have been listening, for she added, “Or marry neither of them, but instead find a rich handsome titled man who falls in love with you, and you both live happily ever after. Or consider the risk of putting your wealth, your happiness, and your very life in the hands of a man who might prove to be a tyrant, and remain single.”
Her voice had risen as she proclaimed the last sentiment, and Mrs. Sandrow heard. She raised a lorgnette to her eyes and commented, “I am surprised to hear such sentiments from a girl you are sponsoring, Lady Marple. I say it out of concern.”
She put down her cup and stood. “The felicities of marriage and motherhood are reward enough for any proper-thinking lady, Miss Wintergreen. I trust you will discover the truth of that before it is too late for you. Come along, girls. We have other calls to make this afternoon.”
Her two daughters rose obediently to their feet.
“Delightful to see you, Mrs. Sandrow, as always,” said Aunt Ginny.
“And you, Lady Marple. Tell your cook to put more sugar in the biscuits, dear. I say it out of concern.”
She sailed toward the door, her two daughters bobbing in her wake, and stopped to allow the entrance of a gentleman and hisadult son. Cilla had met them, too, at dinner. Viscount Curston, who was a good friend of Aunt Ginny’s, and his son, who was one of Jasper’s boon companions.
Soon the older of the two visitors was ensconced next to Aunt Ginny, Mr. Bane Sanderson having been evicted for the purpose. His son had been handed over to the cousins. Cilla wasn’t paying much attention, because she was still considering Drake’s comparatives.
Bane had taken the spare chair next to Livy, and they were bickering about whether or not a husband was necessarily a tyrant. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, so Cilla felt no need to intervene and keep the peace. Instead, she asked Drake the question that was bothering her.
“Was that a proposal?”
“If it had been,” he hedged, “would you have been inclined to sayyes?”
It scared Cilla to realize how tempted she was to call his bluff—if it was a bluff. “Not on so short an acquaintance, Mr. Sanderson,” she replied.
“Then by all means let us become better acquainted.” Mr. Sanderson said, calmly. He leaned closer towards her. “And next time I propose, I shall leave you in no doubt about my intentions.”
