A Match for Marcus Cynster by Stephanie Laurens

Author:Stephanie Laurens [Laurens, Stephanie]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, azw3
Tags: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780778318347
Amazon: B00PV277L2
Barnesnoble: B00PV277L2
Goodreads: 23569724
Publisher: Mira
Published: 2015-05-13T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 10

When and how was he going to ask her to marry him?

As night closed in around the manor, Marcus stood at the window in his room, idly looking out while reviewing the events of the day. With respect to getting to some suitable point when he might with reasonable hope utter the words “marry me,” the day had been a case of one step forward, closely followed by one fractionally shorter step back. Yet despite the frustration, he felt he’d made progress. She’d finally trusted him enough to share the reality of her problems regarding the estate¸ something she hadn’t shared with anyone else.

The knowledge that he’d gained her confidence and had succeeded in helping her chart a way forward had warmed him through the evening—one spent in easy conversation over the dinner table, followed by entertaining themselves in the drawing room with music from Miss Hildebrand, from him, and from Niniver.

And Niniver had started to relax; her smiles had come more readily, more naturally, as spontaneous expressions of happiness. The songs she’d chosen had reflected her improving spirits. He’d noticed that, and so had Miss Hildebrand, although unlike him, she hadn’t known what had caused the change. Again, he’d felt as if his halo was glowing; easing burdens from Niniver’s shoulders was a role he intended to permanently claim.

On top of that, the acceptance implied by her telling him of her vow over her father’s grave had further raised his hopes. More, learning of that vow and understanding her unwavering commitment to it had only drawn him even deeper under her spell.

Putting family—or clan—above oneself to the point of personal sacrifice was a warrior’s code, yet one some women shared. In Niniver, the propensity seemed an integral part of who she was. He now knew her well enough to harbor no doubt that she would strive to the nth degree to fulfill what she viewed as a sacred obligation. She was the opposite of those who took—as Nigel, Nolan, and even Norris had. Instead, she gave. And gave.

That was one reason—almost certainly the principal reason—why she was so highly regarded and innately trusted by her clan; they saw her as their savior, and in that they saw her clearly. And her propensity for giving without reservation was, clearly, destined to be one aspect of his future role. Protecting her from giving to the extent of exhausting herself, of running down her personal resources to nothing. Wise warriors knew to conserve enough strength to fight another day, but as far as he’d seen, Niniver had no inherent limits. She would give until she dropped. Or until someone hauled her from the fray.

His role, obviously.

In some ways, that was what he’d done today, and it had felt…perfect.

So the day had been far from a waste, yet he had still to reach a viable position from which to ask for her hand.

A light tap fell on his door, then it opened.

Niniver walked in.

Despite the gloom—he hadn’t lighted any lamps—she saw him immediately.

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