Miss Merton's Last Hope by Heather Boyd

Author:Heather Boyd [Boyd, Heather]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance, Historical
ISBN: 9781925239096
Google: YSxHCgAAQBAJ
Goodreads: 26024136
Publisher: LLD Press
Published: 2015-10-13T05:00:00+00:00

Eleven

With the matter of moving Mrs. Clemens into her new home underway, Melanie allowed herself a moment to relax. “You are a good man, Mr. George.”

And generous. She’d had trouble hiding her astonishment at his offer of a home for the family earlier, and later again in the arrangements he’d made for moving them there. He’d also ensured they’d have food on the table and in the pantry. She couldn’t imagine another soul being so generous without expecting something in return.

“Don’t sound so surprised,” he said quietly.

His tone was very much like the Walter she’d always met with in the past—self-deprecating and calm—and her nerves settled. She was sorry circumstances prevented them from being on good terms all the time.

He sighed. “Now, we have the walk home for privacy, so tell me what you did to put the vicar’s nose so far out of joint that he would be openly rude to you.”

To explain would remind Walter of the reason for their quarrel, and while she did not want to fight with him, she also could not ignore his request. “He feels I set a bad example by not having married yet, and I suppose he is right.”

Walter rubbed his jaw in that way he usually did when he was thinking. “You have turned down your fair share of suitors, so it’s bound to draw criticism.”

She stiffened.

He nodded politely to an acquaintance they passed. “Not that I don’t now have some idea why you refused them.”

“You don’t understand.” He certainly hadn’t the other day, and she didn’t expect that to change. No one understood. Even Valentine looked at her as if she were a stranger.

“I believe I do in a way.” He frowned. “Your former suitors failed to make you care for them. You never considered any other response.”

His words chilled her. “Are you trying to say that I’m incapable of deeper feelings?”

Walter shook his head. “If you had liked them, or thought you could learn to love even one of those fellows, given a longer acquaintance, your answers might have been different. I suppose from your point of view, you did them a kindness.”

She faced forward, feeling her face heating all over again. He did understand. “There is no point in marrying only to be miserable. I have witnessed that firsthand through my parents’ marriage.”

“Not all marriages are bad ones and you are certainly capable of deeper feelings,” he continued. “You’ve grown to love Julia as a sister—and we both know you enjoyed being kissed so, clearly, you are not unaffected if approached the right way.”

“That was…” She swallowed. “You caught me by surprise but I should not have allowed it. I am truly sorry.”

His eyelids lowered, and a tiny smile appeared on his lips. “I gave you plenty of time to get away.”

She couldn’t protest it wasn’t true. She’d had ample time and opportunity to avoid the second kiss he’d pressed to her lips. She couldn’t explain why she hadn’t moved but the idea of turning him away hadn’t once crossed her mind.

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