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“It could be.” He gently pressed her hands. “If you say yes.”
Her heart squeezed with emotion. How could she return to what she’d known without his sweet tenderness, his kindly humor, his lively spirits? “I … I never dared to think …” She glanced helplessly at the Scotsman, who watched them with avid interest. Oh, what was she doing here? How unbelievable was such a thing?
The captain seemed to sense her agitation at the audience, and said, “Could we have a private room, please?”
“But ye be not wed!”
Theo’s cheeks heated, as the captain assured that he only wished to speak with her.
“Well, of course, sir—if ye pay for the privilege, and leave the door open. We be civilized folk ’ere.”
The captain pulled a coin from his coat pocket, handed it over, and they were escorted to another sparsely furnished room.
The Scotsman gave a knowing smile and pulled the door to just ajar.
This was zany. This could not be real. She moved to the window, her agitation such she scarcely knew to sit or stand. She resorted to pacing in front of the meagre fire, only stopping when the captain moved before her and held her hands.
“Dearest Theodosia, I cannot remain silent. You should know that I adore you, and nothing would bring me greater joy than to see you made happy all your days. And I dare to hope, dare to dream, you might find such blissfulness with me.”
“You truly wish to marry me?”
“You. Only you.” He pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I know I am no great prize and lack the income for someone used to the likes of Stapleton Court, but if you’re prepared to overlook that, I promise I will love you all my days.” His mobile lips tweaked to a quarter-moon. “I find myself quite astonished that, until I knew you, I never realized how much I missed having you in my life. And then we met, and I found my days were lit with a sunshine I had never known. If you were to reject me, I suspect I would never feel entirely happy again.”
Her heart tingled with a fizzing delight that nearly stole coherent thought. And the ability to stand. She drew her hands away and sank into a nearby wooden chair. “I do not know what to say.”
“I understand this is a shock, and quite likely you never dreamed of marrying like this, but I wish you would consider it. For I love you. I love your faith, your kindness, your generous nature, your wisdom, and your wit.” The captain drew near. “I knew from the first moment I saw you that I found you attractive. And then I learned your mind was as sharp as your face fair, and your heart was as kind and good as anyone I ever met, and I realized I loved you. I will do all in my power to see you happy all your days.”
Such tender words were almost overwhelming in their intensity. She drew in a deep breath. Shivered with pleasure as he recaptured her hand and pressed it to his lips.
“Let me see if I can claim another’s words. Ah. You know I have been reading the Bard and admire Henry the soldier, so let me say this:
‘A good heart … is the sun and the moon; or
rather the sun and not the moon, for it shines bright
and never changes but keeps his course truly. If
thou would have such a one, take me. And take me,
take a soldier. Take a soldier …’”
Tears blurred her eyes. Oh, how these words spoke to his character. This man might have his flaws, but he possessed a good heart. Could she ask for anything more?
“I’m sorry if the abruptness of my declaration has startled you. But please, would you consider my proposal in the light of this.” He pulled out an envelope, the one which bore her mother’s handwriting.
“What is it?”
“Please, just read.”
And so she did.
Dearest Theodosia,
Please do not be alarmed by what has occurred. Dear Daniel has explained matters fully to me, sharing that his affections have long been engaged by you. What a wise man he is, for what man could not recognize that you are such a special treasure?
I know these events may seem shocking, but if you do hold him in regard, I urge you to consider his proposal with favor, without considering any obligation you may feel to me or your grandfather. Daniel has promised I can live with you both, if you so choose, or not, if you prefer, so I shall be well. And now, as Seraphina seems settled with us here, my care and that of your grandfather’s need not be yours to bear. As you well know, your grandfather has had his wishes pandered to for so long I cannot think he would ever consideryour happiness above his own, so you must choose your own path. It is not selfish, and I assure you no one else will be harmed.
So, darling daughter, whom I suspect holds a great deal of affection for the dear captain, please consider his suit favorably. For your mother’s sake, as well as your own.
