Page 43 of The Gentlewoman Author

Daniel nodded.

“But you do not wish for a wife?” Her chest twisted as she made the statement.

He cleared his throat and straightened his cravat. “I do not wish to fall in love. Not again.”

Mary’s first instinct was to laugh. She’d never heard of something so foolish. Love was everything, but his fiancée had hurt him. The ache in her throat returned, and she patted his arm in silence. No words lightened a tattered heart.

He took the fingers that lay on his arm. “Yes, I’ve been a fool. While it is hard to regret my decision, I do wish I’d been more patient with my father. I wish I had recognized the good things about him.”

“If you tell your father what you have just told me, perhaps that would be enough to mend your relationship.” In a quieter voice, she added, “Even without my help.”

Daniel’s body slumped beside her. “It would not be enough. But, please, forget I ever asked. It was a stupid idea.”

Yes. It was an odd request, but after hearing the depth of Daniel’s remorse, she understood. He was, as he said, desperate. Although she had reservations about whether it was fair to his parents, it might be fun to pretend she was in love with him.

“I will join you in your pretense.” She decided. “I will tell your family whatever you wish and irritate you until you parents are convinced we would never suit.”

“Never suit?”

“Of course. I am so much your senior.”

“Not this again. You speak as if you are my aged aunt.” He crossed his arms and frowned. “I am thirty-three.” He raised a brow as if in expectation.

“I am older.”

He laughed. “I’d forgotten. Miss Jensen, the woman I was to marry, was two years older than I.”

“Gracious! You have a penchant for older women. I suppose I am perfect for you.”

He turned to look her fully in the face. “In all seriousness, forget I asked. I should not drag you into my personal affairs.”

“In that case, I suppose I will find Louisa on my own. I have no more need of your assistance.”

Their eyes held contact. Daniel clenched his jaw. “The two things are incomparable. I am asking you to lie.”

“We need tell no falsehood. You introduce me. I fawn over you. We allow your parents to draw their own conclusion. It will only be for a few hours. I will have to leave in the morning. Perhaps we should have a row before I go?” If she was not enjoying looking into Daniel’s eyes so thoroughly, she might have lightened the mood with a laugh. Instead, she watched his face, enchanted by the slow smile that teased the sides of his mouth.

Women have a native feebleness, unable to assert their angers with any effective force, by which they may learn ’twas never intended they should let loose their temper to passion. When they do it, they render themselves at once despised and abhorred; nothing being more ridiculously hateful than impotent rage.

The Whole Duty of a Woman, An Infallible Guide to the Fairer Sex, 1737