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Uncertainty crossed his features as he replied, “Me.”
“You?”
He nodded. “Yes. You could marry me.”
She laughed lightly. “Surely you jest, my lord.”
His eyes were fixed on her as he responded, “I’m in earnest.”
“But…”
Oliver took a step closer to her, causing her words to still. “We would suit much more than the duke.”
“That is true, but—”
He cut her off. “I am only the second son of a marquess, but I do have a sizeable fortune. I could provide for you, not in the way the duke could, but you would be comfortable.”
“That is not the issue.”
“Then what is?”
She pursed her lips together as she tried to gather her thoughts. “I cannot ask you in good conscience to enter a marriage of convenience with me.”
“If I married, then the crafty matchmakers would leave me alone,” he pressed.
“My aunt and uncle would never consent to this marriage, and we would be forced to elope to Gretna Green, since I haven’t reached my majority yet.”
“So be it.”
Emmeline stared at Lord Oliver in disbelief. What he was offering was inconceivable to her. He was willing to throw away his own happiness to help her, and that was something she wasn’t willing to allow. She couldn’t do that to him, even though it was truly tempting.
As she opened her mouth to inform him of her decision, a beautiful, blonde young lady sauntered up to Oliver. “Will you be returning to the ball soon?” she asked, a pout on her lips.
Emmeline saw Oliver hesitate for only a moment before his lips curved into a flirtatious smile. “Only if you will save me a dance.”
The young lady smiled victoriously. “I shall be looking forward to it,” she said before turning on her heel.
When she was gone, Oliver turned his attention back to Emmeline and gave her an apologetic look.
“I do apologize for the interruption,” he began, “you were about to say something.”
Emmeline’s lips parted in disbelief. “We would never suit, you and I,” she said, gesturing between them. “You are a rake, and I don’t think that would stop after we were wed.”
“If you are worried about me being faithful to you, that won’t be an issue.”
“You just flirted with another lady while you were offering for me,” Emmeline pointed out.
Oliver winced slightly. “That may have been poorly done on my part, but…”
Speaking over him, Emmeline said, “I thank you for the kind offer, but I refuse to force you into a marriage of convenience.”
Oliver blinked. “You are turning me down?”
“I am.”
“Do you take issue with my lowly status as a second son?”
“No, that has nothing to do with my decision.”
