AllFreeNovel
Share Us
His expression was unreadable, but it certainly did not suggest any significant enthusiasm for the king’s suggestion.
He inclined his head. “That is what Henry wants, yes.”
“I see. Then, we have no choice…” She fought to remain calm, while her mind whirled.
Marriage? To a man she met just two hours ago? Surely, this could not be…
“Perhaps not,” the marquis agreed. He tipped his head to one side to regard her. “I do not detect any outpouring of joy at this news.”
“It…it has come as a shock. That is all. I mean no disrespect…”
“You must have suspected as much, surely. Perhaps hoped to secure your future by marriage to the next marquis?”
In truth, she had not. The thought had never crossed her mind. She had assumed the marquis to be already married until he informed her otherwise.
“I… I have never considered marriage. Not to anyone.” And she had no burning wish to do so now if she could help it, though it was perhaps not wise to say so to this man.
“I see. Then we find ourselves in a similar situation. We share the same dilemma.”
“We do?” Her brow furrowed. Their respective situations did not seem remotely similar from her perspective. He held a title, the command of her childhood home, a future where his place was assured. Whereas she… “I am not sure I follow, Stephen.”
“Am I correct in assuming that neither of us especially desires this union?”
She eyed him with caution. In truth, Katherine could envision worse fates. Sir Stephen was a handsome man, she would readily admit that, though she found his features to be dark and perhaps a little forbidding. But he seemed affable enough and was clearly in favour with the king. But something was missing. She could not define it, that spark of interest, desire, even…
Katherine sighed. “I suppose that is true. But if the king wishes it, then we must obey.”
He shrugged. “Perhaps. Eventually. But matters have a habit of resolving themselves, or at least that has been my experience thus far. Shall we wait and see what transpires?”
“Wait and see?” she parroted. “But what shall we do whilst we are waiting and things are transpiring?”
“Nothing. At least, nothing out of the ordinary. I shall see to the protection of Elborne and this section of the border, as the king has commanded. And you shall continue to run the household in the expert manner all here have become accustomed to. I believe we shall rub along well enough.”
“You wish me to remain here? At Elborne?” Katherine was stunned. She was already half-resigned to a dismal future on her knees in the austere chill of St Clare’s cloister.
“You are Lady Katherine Bramwell of Elborne. Where else would you go? You belong here, and I want you to stay. I would like you to manage my household for me if you will. I apologise.Ourhousehold.”
“But if we are not wed…?”
“It will all be perfectly decent. Your reputation will be safe with me, just as it was while your brother was alive.”
“I see. But you are not my brother.”
“No, but I am quite sure I could come to think of you as my sister. Unless… If you wish this marriage to take place, then I would be happy to—”
“No!” She firmed her jaw. “No, you would not be happy. And neither would I. Neither of us has any desire to wed. But perhaps you are right about the rest. We could remain at Elborne together.”
“Then, we are agreed.”
“We are.” This time, her smile was genuine. Could it be that Sir Stephen was one of those most rare of animals, a reasonable and decent man? “I believe we shall get on famously.”
“As do I. So, now that we have that settled, shall we go down to the hall? Doubtless the roast duck will be getting cold.” He rose and offered her his arm.
Katherine allowed him to lead her from the solar. “I believe the cook has prepared guinea fowl this evening, Stephen. And I do hope you are partial to gingerbread.”
.
CHAPTERTWO
