fifteen
Maybe proposing to a lady shouldn’t be treated as a regular business deal, but Tristan didn’t know how to handle it differently. He had only one strategy he used for everything from business deals to personal relationships, and it consisted of a direct approach and clear conditions.
Admittedly, the strategy worked well for one, but not so well for the other, judging by his astonishing lack of friends. But he couldn’t change overnight, and once he made a decision, he wanted to go on with it.
That was why he’d driven to Archer Hall to see Effie.
From his carriage, he stared at her house. How different it looked from his own now that he paid attention to it. It was all bright and cheerful with colourful bushes of peonies, pretty light green curtains, and outdoor vases of red geraniums. He found the house more intimidating than his own; it elicited too many emotions.
He exited his carriage right when she walked along the pavement towards him. He took that as a good omen.
He waited for her, ignoring the hint of worry rising in his chest and the visions of their kiss flashing across his mind. He was a marquess and a successful businessman. She was probablylooking for a suitor. Her father would oppose, but if she agreed to marry him, he could push Winchester. It was logical for her to agree to become his wife. He was a good match.
Her smile was a little shy when she stopped in front of him, carrying her veterinary bag. “Lord Montcrest, are you here to see my father or me?”
“You.”
“Is Zeus all right?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“No. I would prefer a walk.” He offered her his arm.
She hesitated before taking it.
“May I carry your bag?” He stretched out his free arm.
“Thank you.” She handed it to him.
They walked along the pavement towards a small park where lush trees swayed their green canopies in the breeze. Another good omen.
“What did you want to tell me?” she asked.
He should start with an apology for having touched her the other day, but he decided against it. Apologising before a proposal seemed the wrong way to begin a solid relationship. But on the other hand, she would appreciate an apology, and what she wanted was his priority.
“I thought about what had happened the other day.”
She stiffened, gripping his arm more tightly.
“I’m aware I didn’t behave like a gentleman. A gentleman would propose before taking liberties with a lady, and that’s what I mean to do.”
She gazed up at him. “Excuse me? You want to propose so you can take liberties with me?”
Damn. That had come out wrong. He should have prepared a speech. “Yes. No.” He paused in the awkward moment. “I’m saying I want to ask you to marry me.”
She stopped walking, her lips parting. “Why?”
“Because I want to.” He understood too late he’d said the wrong thing with the wrong tone.
What he’d meant to say was that his biggest wish was to have the honour of marrying her because being close to her filled him with peace and hope.
His habit of economising on the words had prevailed over his good sense, which admittedly wasn’t strong to start with.
The shock disappeared from her face, replaced by annoyance. “Just like youwantedto dance with me. But marriage isn’t a polka. Things don’t happen just because you want them to.”
He bowed his head. “It came out wrong.”
