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“Because she didn’t want me to marry you,” he said with a sigh. “She was in love with me.”
She crossed her arms over the black wool covering her chest. “Why would a mistress care who her protector married?”
“Because she knew I would never come back to her if I married you,” he said gently.
“How could she know that for certain? Many married men take mistresses,” she retorted before walking the short distance of the room. There was not enough room to pace in here! With his overwhelming presence, the small cabin seemed to shrink.
“Because she knew I loved you. And I, unlike many men in the ton, wouldn’t take a mistress when I loved my wife.”
Jennette stopped mid-step. He loved her. Her heart leaped in her chest and then slowed. It mattered not if he loved her. Nothing changed just because he’d said those lovely, heart-wrenchingly beautiful words.
“Then how did she learn about what happened to John if you didn’t tell her?”
Matthew glanced down to the floor of the cabin and sighed. “I did tell her,” he admitted in a whispered tone.
“Why?” Jennette’s voice rose.
“I was drunk and bitter. It happened two years ago.” He looked into her blue eyes and held her gaze. “I’m sorry. I had no idea she would ever speak of it. Mistresses are supposed to keep secrets.”
The look in his eye was so genuine Jennette almost ran to him then. But she couldn’t. There was still too much that he hadn’t explained. And nothing he’d said changed her situation. She might still hang for John’s death. The only thing to do was make him leave and put the pieces of her heart back together again…alone.
“Thank you for telling me what really happened.” She walked to the door and opened it. “Good-bye, Matthew.”
His eyes widened and slowly he smiled. “Do you really think I’m leaving?”
“I believe you had better before I call for assistance.”
“Call all you want.” He took the two steps to the door and slammed it shut. “They all believe I am your husband. So who do you think is going to interfere with a married couple? According to the law, I can forcibly remove you from this ship and no one could stop me.”
“Why would they think we are married?”
“Because I told them we had argued and you thought to leave. We both know that as my wife I can drag you back to my house, even against your will.” He placed his hands on his hips and gave her a devious smile.
“I cannot believe you did that!”
“I did. And if you don’t pack your bags right now, I will put you over my shoulder and carry you off this boat.”
“You wouldn’t…” Her voice trailed off because, staring into his eyes, she knew he would dare to do such an outrageous thing. And the idea that he would melted her heart. He wouldn’t force her to return if he didn’t love her.
“I cannot go back, Matthew.” She turned away from him.
He stepped behind her and gently placed his large hands on her shoulders. Leaning toward her ear, he whispered, “I will be there with you, Jennette. For all times.”
“I killed John. I ruined your name. I scandalized my family’s name.” A tear slowly tracked down her cheek. She wanted desperately to believe everything would be all right. But she knew better.
“My name doesn’t matter as long as you are with me.”
“Matthew, please stop. We both know your name means everything to you.”
“Not if you aren’t with me.” He turned her around and looked down at her. “Jennette, I have nothing to offer you except my love.”
“Please, don’t do this,” she pleaded. She hated the thought of turning him down. If she could just prevent him from proposing to her and then get him to leave.
“Jennette, please marry me. Be my wife and we shall face the gossips together. We’ll show them that waspish talk doesn’t matter when you’re in love.”
Her heart raced. She couldn’t do this. She could not! “No!”
“What?”
