“Because I love you,” he said.
It was said so normally, so factually, that for a moment Catherine did not comprehend it. When she did, she practically jumped backwards out of his hold. “That’s impossible,” she said.
He just laughed. “Why is it so impossible?” he asked.
“Because…because,” her mind was in such a whirl she couldn’t think of a reason, but she knew it was there.
“Calm down, Kitty,” he said. “I am not asking you to return my affection, nor am I asking for anything in particular. I just thought you should know how I feel.”
“But you are leaving this afternoon,” said Catherine. “What kind of man confesses his love to a lady then deserts her for who knows how long?”
“The kind of man who knows that you have a great deal of thinking to do,” said Stephen. “For the last six or seven years, you have lived with the expectation that you will never experience love and will never marry. You willingly took on the responsibility for caring for your sisters in a way that your own parents never did. Now, your reasons for that are gone. Your sisters are all married to men who love them and who are perfectly capable of providing for them.
“You need to think about what you want from your life since the purpose you thought was yours is no longer needed. If you decide to hold to your course anyway, that is certainly one possibility. There are others, however. For example, you could marry me and become mother to Travis. If I am not the man for you, you could go back to London and find someone that is. You could also decide that you wish to take your money and set up your own painting studio.”
“Are you proposing?” asked Catherine.
Stephen shook his head. “Not at this time, but I want you to know that if a future with me is what you want, it is yours for the taking.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Think about it,” he said.
Catherine nodded.
“Also, you should know that Darcy will be holding a house party in early July. Mrs. Darcy may have already told you of it,” he said. “I will be there, if you need me.”
Catherine nodded again.
“Now, step into the house through this side door over here and wash your face. You wouldn’t want all your sister’s guests knowing you’ve been crying, would you?”
Catherine turned toward the house, but before she began walking she turned back and said, “Thank you, Stephen. Thank you for everything.” She then practically ran into the house and up the stairs to her room.
