you. And where would that leave us?” He leaned forward until his breath brushed her disheveled curls causing them to stir.
He let his voice drop and grow somber. “I’ve got one more: My two best friends have both married in recent years, and I find myself taken by the vision of domestic life they now lead. There is something immensely pleasing in the ease of companionship they share with their respective wives.”
“You play with me, my lord.” She sat even straighter, resisting him, her eyes locked straight ahead.
He saw the pain in those eyes and it bit at him. He slid to his knees and knelt before her, letting the charming seducer depart, and spoke plainly and with sincerity. “No, I do not. At this moment in time I have no wish greater than to have you do me the honor of accepting my proposal, my protection. It would serve us both well.”
Her head dropped forward, the blond hair falling about her cheeks. Her fragile shoulders shook. She had begun to cry. The shudders grew in strength and, as he continued to kneel at her feet, paralysis clutched at him. He could offer wit and passion, but comfort? That had never been demanded.
“Shh, don’t do that, my dear. All will be well. Really, it will.”
Her eyes came up, and he saw their glazed shine. The pale lips curved up despite the teeth clenched firmly against the lower lip. It was laughter. Not tears. Bitter laughter.
“How,” she said, “can you possibly promise that? I am with child, unmarried, and about to be disowned by my mother. I cannot turn to my sister, the one person who cares for me, and, to make it all the more enjoyable, my stomach has taken residence in the back of my throat and I fear I may be embarrassingly ill at any moment. How, then, pray tell, can everything be well?”
“If you will but marry me, I shall be your surety that all will be well. I will do all in my power to care for you and provide whatever you seek.” He spoke from a place long untouched. “You will not find yourself with a babe in arms and still unwed. There will be no need to trouble your sister. And, I am sure, your mother will not dream of disowning you when you are a marchioness. The only field wherein I shall not claim victory is your stomach, but even there I am sure I can have some delicacy prepared that will tempt rather than upset.”
“You have not met my mother.” There was still laughter in her voice, but it grew increasingly hysterical. “Your proposal was not of her devising, and, therefore, not acceptable. Besides, you are unknown to the women of her parish, and that will matter more than your hallowed bloodline. I can assure you, she will find no more favor in this marriage than do I.”
He stood up with a jerk. Half an hour ago he had not thought of marriage, and now he was working his damnedest to make it happen. The gods must be laughing.
“Then stay,” he said finally. “For all my levity, the offer was sincere. I may not be able to explain my motivations to your satisfaction, but do not doubt me.”
“Why not?” The words tore out of her. “I did not doubt you a year ago when you promised me help. Even when I knew you didn’t mean it, that they were merely words, some part of me believed you. I thought you would honor your pledge if I came and begged. And that is what I am doing, you see.”
Tristan turned back to face her. He stepped forward and placed a light hand at each side of her face, holding her captive. He spoke gently, “I will give you the money you require.”
Her body jerked in surprise. “You will?”
“Yes, I’ll send Winters to fetch it in a moment, but first let us talk for a moment longer.”
She shifted and he could sense her desire to flee, to demand the funds now and run. Her chest expanded and she spoke. “If that is what you desire. I am hardly in a position to refuse.” Still she edged towards the door.
He walked forward until he towered above her, deliberately demonstrating the powerlessness of her position. “I’ll have a hack summoned. What is your destination?”
“I have told you. I would retire to the country until my sister has her child.”
“I understand that, but what is your destination