Leaning forward in his seat, Miles proposed in a gentle voice, “I could take you far away from here, far away from all your troubles and worries. All you have to do is agree to marry me.”
“What would that solve?” she asked. “I would think of these villagers often and worry about their plight.”
“If you marry me, I am rich. I can provide some aid.”
She smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. “It is not your responsibility to care for this village. You have your own troubles to worry about.”
“I do not like seeing you so upset.”
“You are kind, but I have to try to make a difference,” Edwina insisted. “With any luck, we can convince Mr. Stanley to encourage my uncle to do the right thing.”
Miles settled back into his seat. “You, my dear, have far too much faith in other people.”
“You don’t know Mr. Stanley like I do,” Edwina said. “He always offered me a kind smile and a thoughtful word. I do not think I ever heard him say one cross thing. He isn’t that type of man.”
“But he is your uncle’s man of business now. His loyalty belongs to your uncle, not your father,” Miles pointed out.
“True, but he couldn’t have changed that much,” Edwina asserted. “He will want to do the right thing. I am sure of that.”
Miles put his hand up in surrender. “Very well. I believe you.”
“Thank you.”
“Regardless, I can help you secure a barrister to ensure your uncle is held accountable for your inheritance,” Miles said.
“I do hope it won’t come to that,” she admitted.
Miles grew silent before asking, “Did you know that my library at my country estate is larger than your uncle’s?”
“I did not.”
“And there are far more paths in the woodlands for someone to explore,” Miles continued.
Edwina eyed him curiously. “Your point being?”
“Marry me and it will be yours. The library. The woodlands. I will even throw in some diamonds. Loads of them,” Miles said, his eyes full of mirth.
She laughed. “I have my mother’s diamonds. That is all I need.”
Miles waggled his eyebrows. “What about the library? There are so many books that you haven’t read yet. Just waiting to be explored by you.”
Her face softened. “I know you could give me everything I ever wanted, but it is not what I need,” she said. “I need to be loved, and love in return.”
“I am trying, Edwina,” Miles responded, his voice pained.
She leaned forward and reached for his hand. “I know, and I am appreciative of it. But I will always wonder if you are thinking of Arabella when I’m with you.”
Miles’ eyes held a rawness that made her heart ache, avulnerability she hadn’t seen from him before. “I can’t forget about Arabella.”
She squeezed his fingers gently, trying to convey her understanding. “I wouldn’t expect you to. She was a part of your life and helped shape who you are today.”
His voice was thick with emotion as he whispered, “I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t. I promise,” Edwina reassured him. “I will always be here for you, just as I know you will be there for me.”
Miles winced. “I do not think I can stand by and watch you marry another.”
“Who says I will be getting married anytime soon?”
