2000 by A Scandalous Proposal

Author:A Scandalous Proposal [Proposal, A Scandalous]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-08-30T08:29:32+00:00

His lip curled, he raised one hand, and for a moment she thought he would strike—or seize her. Then, exhaling in a ragged rush of breath, he straightened. His voice, when he spoke, was barely a whisper.

"So be it. Thank you for your kind sentiments, Madame.'' He swept her an exaggerated bow. “And let me add I will earnestly endeavor to forget you with as much dispatch as you seem eager to dismiss me." Turning on his heel, he walked out.

After the echo of his retreating footsteps faded she staggered to the bed, collapsed on the edge with arms wrapped tightly around herself, eyes closed. This is better, this is better, this is better. To admit how enormous a loss his leaving was, how trenchantly deep the pain, would be to acknowledge an emotion that spelled disaster to any present or future peace of mind.

Must it have ended had she revealed her full identity at the outset, before his friend's death? But even though her birth was better than he assumed, she was still unrecognized by both her husband's family and her own, still virtually penniless, still engaged in trade. Any one of which factors would make her unsuitable to be his bride.

Nor in the midst of all his protestations of devotion had he ever hinted he desired her for that role. The only role she could in good conscience fulfill.

No, as parting was inevitable, better sooner than later, she told herself.

Of course it hurts, she soothed. Losing a friend, a very dear friend, is never easy. You will get through it. You've survived worse.

She'd almost convinced herself when Francesca entered. But when, after one glance, her friend gasped, "Mao de Deus!" and gathered her close, the fierce, body-racking sobs welled up and broke free. For a very long time she could not make them stop.

******************************************************************

At midmorning, after he'd forced himself to down a Spartan breakfast and tea that might as well have been hemlock. Evan went to check on Andrea. He found her still abed, pale, but awake and composed.

"I'm glad you stopped by before leaving for Horse Guards. Evan. I wanted to thank you for..." She swallowed hard. "Well, for everything. I hate to ask anything more, but—could you take me home?"

Despite his own anguish, her distress moved him. "Of course, Andy. As soon as you feel strong enough."

"I'm ready, whenever you can break away. I want—I need to be home." She bit her lip, obviously struggling for control. "Maybe then I won't be so afraid."

He came to the bed and took her in his arms. "Don't be afraid, Andy. I'll take care of you." Recognizing the moment, he sucked in a breath and made himself say the words. "I'd like to take care of you always. Will you marry me?"

She pushed herself back and studied his face.

"Are you sure, Evan?"

Evading that question, he said, “I already asked you once, you'll remember."

A smile lightened her face. "By the lake at Wimberley years ago. You made me a wedding ring out of daisies.

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