“Emma,” William whispered and stepped towards her. “We both are well aware it was not all there was to it. We shared moments that still resonate in my mind. I am constantly reminded of them.”
“You don’t know what you speak of,” Emma sighed wearily and turned away.
“Marry me, Emma,” William proposed suddenly.
She froze and for a moment she was unable to move. With much effort, she turned back to William and pursed her lips. The most handsome and charming man she had ever met stood in front of her, saying he wished to marry her. Yet, the only emotion she felt inside was betrayal. It was very different from how she had imagined it would be. It felt both right and wrong simultaneously.
Her heart yearned to approach him, allow him to sweep her off her feet and into his strong and warm embrace. She wanted to whisper that she would love nothing more to marry him, but her mind had convinced her that his outburst was not because he loved her.
He was trying to make things right, which he never truly could. Her reputation was tainted whether she was to become William’s wife or not. Being the new Lady William Seymour would not stop women from glancing in her direction with judgment and disapproval.
In fact, nothing would.
“My lord, that is ridiculous.”
William’s eyebrows flew up his forehead, shock filling his face. “Marrying me is ridiculous?”
“You know I did not mean it in such a manner as to insult or belittle,” Emma explained. “I have dreamed of such a moment my entire life, and I would be delighted to accept if it was not for the sole reason to rectify a situation that we created by our behavior. I wish for a man to ask for my hand in marriage because he adores me and wishes to spend the rest of his life with me. Not out of guilt... or sympathy,” Emma answered.
“It is not out of sympathy, Emma. I care very much for you, and I am certain we can have a happy marriage,” he said, and he seemed sincere, which made Emma sadder. It seemed that behind his callousness and arrogance was a wonderful man.
She sighed heavily, undeterred. “Whilst I admire your noble intentions and the fact that you wish to save me from my situation, I do not require a man to rescue me. I am truly sorry, but I cannot accept your offer. It would simply not be fair that you to have to marry me, due to a situation we both caused.”
William stepped forward, his brow furrowing. “I am not being forced to marry you by anyone.”
“I am sorry, William. It would simply not feel right. There is a woman out there who is perfect for you, and I am certain that woman is not me,” Emma told him, though it broke her heart to say it.
“Is that not for me to decide as well?”
Emma groaned, frustration making her dig in her heels. “You cannot possibly say there are feelings of love inside your heart for me. We have not spoken about things—”
William interrupted her, “Only because you did not wish to, or we didn’t have the opportunity. But I’m here now, standing in front of you, asking for this chance. Even if we don’t know much of one another, I am certain we can come to an arrangement. We don’t even need to sleep in the same bedchamber.”
That made her smile.
She shook her head. “You and I are well aware that would not happen.”
The passion that burned between them, even now, was far too fierce.
“Emma—”
“My mind is made up and my decision is final, William. I cannot do you such an injustice.”
“The hell with injustice. I am merely doing what is right!” he yelled and glared at her, throwing his hands up in the air in exasperation.
“Right for whom?” Emma exclaimed.
There were a few tense moments of silence as they stood scowling at one another.
When William began to chuckle, Emma huffed angrily, “What could possibly be funny?”
“It was rather ludicrous of me to even think we could be married. Look at us, we are still arguing and disagreeing regarding everything.” He continued to chuckle.
“Perhaps you should listen when I speak,” Emma answered and crossed her arms. “If that is all you wish to say, I suggest you leave before my parents return. They will not be as gracious regarding your presence as I was.”
“I do not doubt that for a moment, my lady,” he muttered wryly, and immediately left the parlor.
Emma heard the front door slam, which caused her to flinch and bite her bottom lip.
“My lady, is everything well? Lord William did not harm you in any manner?” Anna asked suddenly and Emma turned towards her. The young maid seemed very concerned, and she appreciated that.
“I am well, thank you, Anna,” Emma said, despite not feeling well at all in her heart. “Please, do not mention a word of his visit to my parents.”
“My lady—”
“That is not a request, Anna,” Emma answered sternly.
Anna pursed her lips briefly and nodded obediently. “Understood, my lady.”
Chapter Twelve
This was not the first time in his life William was forced to face rejection from a woman.
He had been previously, on more occasions than he would like to admit. But being rebuffed by Emma had been the worst and single most humiliating moment of his life.
When he had thought of asking Emma for her hand in marriage, he had been convinced she would reluctantly agree. He had not expected her to reject him without even a moment’s thought.
Embarrassingly, he had even pleaded with her to reconsider, but it had only made matters worse, shattering any confidence that Emma reciprocated his feelings. Despite her saying the words that he meant much to her, she still could not bring herself to accept his offer.
William’s jaw clenched.
Injustice.
Perhaps his intentions to marry her were somewhat forced but he
