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Her chin shot upward and her eyes were wide for only a second before she glanced down, refusing to meet his gaze.
“’Tis only a note from Father. His last words to me.” She pressed her lips together and drew in a long breath through her nose as if straining to remain composed. A slight breeze whispered past, making small tendrils of hair caress her cheek as she spoke. “I’m simply struggling with my grief.”
Samuel’s heart pinched. He moved his hands to her shoulders and lowered his tone. “This may seem sudden, Eliza, but I must be allowed to speak openly.”
She raised her eyebrows. “Of course.”
He let out a long sigh before continuing. “’Tis no secret how much I care for you. With your Father now gone, you and Kitty will need the care and influence of a man and I am willing—I want to take care of you for the rest of my days, Eliza. Please let me.” He paused and took another breath. “I want you to be my wife. I love you.”
His hands numbed as he waited for her reply. They’d talked of marriage many times but he’d never officially declared his feelings.
Eliza’s blood rushed to her face. That must be a good sign. She must love him in return.
A stabbing thought struck his brain. Then again, perhaps she didn’t.
Samuel stumbled over his words. “I’d ask for your Father’s blessing, if he were here, of course. But I feel certain he would approve.”
She blinked wildly for a moment and gripped again at the fabric of her dress. Her breathing increased, but when she said nothing his heart pounded, a sinking sensation pushing down into his gut.
“Do not you agree, Eliza?”
Eliza opened her mouth but closed it again without a sound then looked away. The soft muscles of her jaw flexed as she gazed toward the house.
The silence continued and he couldn’t stop the cannon blast of nerves shooting off in his gut. “Well, what do you say?”
She pulled from his gentle grasp, ripping his heart from his chest as she distanced herself. He could see a far-off stare in her eye. Why hadn’t she leapt with joy at his proposal, as he’d believed she would? They were meant for each other, she must know that. They loved each other. Of that he had no doubt.
Something kept her from accepting him.
He pleaded with his eyes. “I know a soldier’s life isn’t always suitable for one’s spouse, but if you will have me, I promise to give you every possible happiness and fill every need.”
“What of . . . what of the patriots? What if they . . .” She shook her head and pressed her lips into a thin line once again.
“What of them? Why should anyone give a dog’s ear about the patriots? ‘Tis not a woman’s place to be concerned with such things, Eliza.”
She flung her gaze to him, a fleeting question darting across her face, but she replaced it the next second with another reluctant smile. “I . . . I suppose you are right.”
He placed a hand on his sword and looked over his shoulder across the small bay, toward the city of Boston. “If those bumbling patriots believe they can fight and win even one battle against our army they’re more brainless than I imagined.”
Turning back to her, Samuel frowned. “Why are you suddenly so concerned with them?”
The orange sunset crowned Eliza’s dark hair like a halo. A tight grin fanned her face before she answered, speaking to the ground. “Well, there is much going on—‘tis in all the papers. And, I’m . . . I’m worried. What if, what if the conflict escalates?”
He straightened. “Even if it does, which I doubt, I don’t see why that must interfere with our plans to marry.” Samuel took her hand and tugged her closer. “I love you, Eliza. That’s all that matters. Besides, you can’t take care of Kitty by yourself. I can take that responsibility. Please let me.”
Eliza tensed and drew back. “You don’t think I can care for Kitty? She’s practically a woman herself. I don’t see why—”
“Eliza.” Samuel sighed and tipped his head to the sky with a groan. “My words betray me. ’Twas not what I meant. I simply know of your fears and I want to help ease them.” Ignoring the warning that sounded in his mind, he lowered his head in a long, slow movement, until his lips touched hers with a feather-lightness, igniting a raging blaze within. He pulled away, his heart crashing against his ribs. “You will marry me. I know you will.”
Her dark eyes rose to his and beckoned for more. He bent to kiss her again, but she placed her palm on his chest.
“Do you really believe the patriots are fools? Maybe they—”
“Eliza!” His patience snapped and it took mounds of strength to keep his voice even. He’d just kissed her and that was all she could think about? “I’ve only now confessed my love to you—offered you my life. Why are you so consumed with political matters? Are you trying to kill me with waiting?”
She looked away and her shoulders slumped.
“Forgive me, Eliza, but I must know your answer—‘tis too painful for me otherwise. I’ve waited for years for this moment—don’t deny me now.” He dipped his head and scolded her with an intense stare. “As I have said, ‘tis not a woman’s place to be concerned with politics. I shall be the one taking care of such things. All that matters is our love.”
