He looked her in the eye.“Jane, I need a wife.I need a companion to assist me with my many social duties, both with the ton and with my dependents.I need someone who doesn’t bore me, Jane...and you never do that.”
“Hah!You would be sick of me within a month.I would give you no rest.I am not a peaceful person to be around, especially when there is a wrong to be righted or an opinion to be changed.”
“So very true, Jane.”He smiled.“But you are also so very exciting to be around.”
This was crazy; she was the last person to fulfil the role he suggested.She shook her head.“You only say that because you don’t know me well enough.”
“We can change that, Jane.”
“Not before it’s too late and the vows are said!”
“Let us get to know one another before they need to be said.”His words implied so much more than finding out whether they liked to chat or be silent at the breakfast table.
“What if you were to change your mind?”
“If I did, would you sue me for breach of promise?”
“No, of course not.But I would be back to square one with no means of support and an even more tarnished reputation.”
“Jane, what if I arrange to make a breach of contract payment to you should that happen?Would you be willing then?”
Jane considered this for a moment.“What ifIchange my mind and don’t wish to marry you?”
“The same deal then.A payment that would allow you to live, not a wealthy life, but one sufficient for you and your sisters not to have to work outside your home.”
Jane raised her hand as if in protest.“No.I couldn’t.You are offering charity.”
He leaned forward as if to emphasize his point.“Not charity, Jane.A workable marriage or, if not that, a way to cause you no harm.”
Still shocked, Jane asked, “Why not just settle the money on me without the engagement, if you are feeling so charitable?”
He sat back on the sofa to deliver his answer.“Because, Jane, I am gambling on higher returns than that.”
Suddenly exhausted, she slumped back against the sofa, as though the metaphorical wind had gone out of her sails.“This is madness.You can’t be serious with this offer.I feel like I am negotiating for property.”
“At least you are thinking about my offer.That comforts me considerably.”He smiled ruefully.
“I ...I ...don’t know what to say.”
He leaned toward her and spoke earnestly.“Just tell me that you will think about my offer and give me an answer soon.I will not pressure you ...and I will not ask again if you decide against me.”
The butterflies in her stomach had turned into a flock of birds.Astonished and perplexed by the bewildering conversation that had taken place, Jane merely nodded her agreement.
Taking her hand in his, Dalton raised it to his lips and softly kissed each of her fingers.“You will do me the greatest honor if you accept my proposal, Jane.”
“Th ...thank you,” she stammered.Her eyes held his, seeking more answers, but they were shuttered.
Lord Dalton released her hand as he stood.“Let me know your decision.I won’t see you again unless you contact me about discussing matters further.”
Jane looked up into his handsome face and nodded agreement again.
A few minutes later, she heard the street door close, signaling that he was gone.
She sat stunned for a little longer, then stood up and restlessly roamed the room, not seeing anything as the Marquess’s words raced through her brain.Striding to the sitting room door, she wrenched it open, stepped to the top of the rear stairs to the kitchen, and called down to Mrs.Creevy that she was going out for a while.
The housekeeper came to the lower door and Jane said, “I’ll be back in time for lunch.”
“All right, Miss Jane.Don’t forget your pelisse, it’s getting bitterly cold.”
