Page 53 of The Pleasure in Persuasion

Frederick couldn’t help it. He smiled. “As old as that?”

Her frown told him she did not appreciate his teasing. “Older than you,” she said. “Five years older.”

“Not even four and half,” he corrected. “And I don’t care a whit about your age.”

“Perhaps you should,” she shot back, folding her arms over her chest. “A younger wife might give you more children.”

Frederick shook his head slowly. “I don’t care about that,” he said again. “I want you, Lily. I love you. And I would rather have no children with the woman I love than ten with anyone else.”

She stared up at him for a torturously long moment, the breeze rustling the dark, wispy curls framing her soft pink cheeks.

“Right,” she finally said, unfolding her arms to clasp her hands at her front. “In that case, yes. I will marry you, Frederick.”

Her words were brisk and dispassionate, and it took more than a moment for their meaning to sink in.

“You will…” He trailed off, staring at her, his heart pounding in his ears. “Are you certain?”

Her lips parted and she blinked up at him. “That is not the response I was expecting to receive.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, rubbing at his cheek. “I think I was caught off guard by your acceptance.”

She cocked her head to one side. “You expected me to refuse?”

“No. Not exactly. But I think I was hoping for a warmer acceptance. Perhaps a summation of the many reasons you want me for your husband? Or, better yet, a declaration of your undying love?”

He tried for a teasing tone, but Lily seemed to see right through him, her gaze softening before falling to his chest. “There are...conditions I must discuss with you first.”

“Conditions?” He had not expected her to have conditions.

“Well, only one, really,” she said, toeing the grass with one boot. Then she drew in a breath and looked at him. “I want a long betrothal, Frederick. I want to be sure we’re suited to each other, and that our feelings are not fleeting. I want you to be sure this is truly the life you want.”

Frederick suppressed the urge to take her hands in his. “It is, Lily. I’m already sure.”

She nodded. “And I believe you. I do. But you cannot deny the fact that we’ve known each other for a very short time. Marriage is a lifelong commitment. There can be no harm in waiting a little while. Just to be certain.”

Her eyes searched his, questioning, hopeful, and Frederick’s heart squeezed.

He was already certain, more certain than he’d ever been about anything, but he could understand her need to be careful. She’d been hurt before. She’d been certain before and her trust was betrayed. It was not surprising that she would wish to prevent that from happening again.

And so, even though there was no doubt in either his mind or his heart, he would give in to her wishes.

“You’re right,” he said. “There is no harm in waiting.”

Lily’s entire face lit up, and he knew he’d made the right decision. “Truly?” she asked. “You don’t mind?”

A wry smile curved his lips. “I admit, I’m not thrilled. I’d marry you today if you’d let me, but I do understand why you wish to be cautious. And I’m more than willing to wait for you, Lily. However long you need me to.”

She took his hands in hers, her eyes shining. “You are a decent man, Frederick Darrington. Your decency is just one of the reasons I want you for my husband. Your kind and giving heart is another. But it was your smile that made me fall in love with you.”

The words washed over him, lighting him up inside, and a smile slowly spread across his face.

Lily surged up on her toes and brushed his lips with hers. “I love your smile.” She kissed him again. “I love you.”

Frederick’s arms closed around her and he dragged her into him, pressing his face in her soft hair. “I love you. God, I love you. With all that I am and all that I hope to be. I am yours, Lily. Always.”

The heavy weight of worry lifted from Lily’s shoulders and a warm, joyful glow grew in its place, spreading through her body until she feared she might burst with it.

Frederick loved her and he wanted to marry her, and he was willing to wait until she was ready. Surely she was the luckiest girl in England.