Joanna Maitland by Marrying the Major

Author:Marrying the Major [Major, Marrying the]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

‘No!’ Emma’s despairing cry seemed to be torn from her. Hugo felt it like a sword slash. Did she really hate him so much? Or was it that the thought of him repelled her?

He held her wide-eyed gaze until embarrassment overcame her and she looked away. In a voice that was so low as to be barely audible, she said, ‘You mock me, sir. That is not the act of a gentleman.’

Hugo took a deep breath and sighed it out again. He had not withdrawn his outstretched hand. ‘I have never been more serious in my life, ma’am,’ he said softly. ‘I beg you to believe that—even if you are not now minded to accept my proposal. I do truly desire to make you my wife.’

Emma raised her eyes to his once more. Astonishment was written in her gaze but not—Hugo was sure—any trace of hatred or revulsion. Perhaps she might yet be won over, if he could but find the means…for this was surely the right solution. It had come to him even as he spoke the words. Wounded and scarred though he was, he, Hugo, would make a better husband for Emma than Kit could ever be. Kit was too young and much too devoted to his own pleasures to care for Emma’s bruised spirit. But Hugo understood what it was to be shunned by Society. And if the solution to Emma’s dilemma should also bring Hugo a prize that he had believed beyond his reach…well, he would not refuse it.

He took a step towards Emma, clasping her hands strongly in both of his own. Her fingers shook, but she did not pull away. Her gaze seemed to be fixed on his cravat.

He chafed her hands gently, trying to warm her. ‘Trust me, Emma,’ he said in a low voice, willing her to look up at him. ‘I am older—and, I believe, wiser—than Kit. My offer is made of my own free will, not under any duress. I have not Kit’s looks, but I promise you I am well able to support a wife…and I do not often frequent the gaming tables, either.’ He found himself smiling a little when he referred to Kit’s obvious defects. She must not be allowed to think he was a strait-laced martinet who would blight her life. ‘Emma, look at me.’ He waited until she did so and then continued, trying to emphasise the importance of his words by the sustained pressure of his hands, ‘I am convinced we could learn to deal very comfortably together. Will you at least consider my proposal?’

She took a deep breath. ‘What time is it, sir?’ she said crisply.

‘I beg your pardon, ma’am?’

The tiniest hint of a smile twisted one side of her mouth. ‘I asked you what time it was, sir. My father will wish to announce my betrothal as soon as the guests appear this morning. It would be…unfortunate if he were to name the wrong brother.’

Hugo took a gasp of air and held it, staring down into her clear blue eyes.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.