Harlequin Historical: May 2022 Box Set 1 of 2 by Michelle Willingham

Author:Michelle Willingham
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

He should leave immediately. He’d had his talk, his fantasy come to life for a short while, and he’d found some peace. Being with Thomasia had soothed his troubled thoughts even if it hadn’t provided any answers. But he hadn’t come to her for those. He’d come for the peace. To stay longer invited temptation, and tonight he was in no state to resist. Leaving would be a straightforward matter. It was late. It was a practical excuse they could both concede when he saw her in the morning. She would understand on all levels that his leaving was for the best.

Leaving might be a simple matter, but staying proved easier. It was easier to stay in his chair by the fire, easier to enjoy sipping a brandy and idly flipping through the pages of the children’s book Effie-Claire had left on the floor.

He smiled at an illustration of a round, happy puppy on the page and then he laughed at himself. He was indulging the fantasy quite thoroughly tonight. Why not sit here and carry it through to its delicious conclusion? That he was at home, in front of his own fire, waiting patiently for Thomasia to tuck in their children. There’d be more than Effie, of course.

He looked down at the picture book and realised the flaw in the fantasy. It was a nice bit of make-believe but it lacked any edge of realism. If Thomasia was his wife he wouldn’t be sitting here waiting for her to finish with the children. They would be their children, after all. He’d be upstairs with her, reading stories, tucking stuffed animals into arms, and giving goodnight kisses on sleepy cheeks.

Shaw settled into his chair, satisfied. That was better. He liked that image of them, side by side, caring for their children and taking on the world.

Side by side.

It was what he wanted in a marriage, a partner in all things. It was also what Thomasia would demand of a husband. Her views made it clear she would not play the subordinate in any relationship. She had both philosophical and practical objections to the marital state. But what an amazing helpmate she’d be.

He’d thought it from the first time he saw her, sitting so regally at the Peverett supper table. He’d imagined too easily, even on short acquaintance, how she’d look reigning over her own supper table. With her mind, her looks, she’d be an asset to any man’s career. Except that she’d want her own career, he reminded himself with a chuckle. But she would be more than an asset to him. He saw the loving nature of her heart, her kindness, her selflessness. She would be more to him than just a political hostess.

She can be nothing of the sort. We’ve been over this and you know what she’ll cost you.

His conscience kicked at him hard, driving him out of his fireside reverie. If Thomasia sat at his table she’d sit alone. Thomasia Peverett remained a conundrum.

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