“She had the nerve to suggest I find myself a husband. Seems that’s the highest aspiration for women in this medieval century.” Diamond kicked at a clump of earth, sending it rolling down towards the cows. “Seems all I have to look forward to is being some man’s property and waiting for the next cholera epidemic to strike.”
“My sister has been on the lookout for a husband for the last two years. She wants to get married and start a family. You make it sound like a prison sentence.”
“Your sister is a woman of her time, just like I’m a woman of mine.”
“People don’t get married anymore?”
“They do, but it’s easy to get divorced if things don’t work out. Many couples just live together.”
Without marriage? Jesse felt heat creep up his neck at the scandalous notion. No wonder Diamond had thought nothing of inviting him to her room. “I wish I could stay and help you get settled, but every day I’m away from my regiment increases my chances of getting shot as a deserter. But before I go, I’ll help you negotiate a settlement with the Pooles, make sure you have a place to live and some means of support.” He wasn’t sure what he would do if they dug in their heels and refused to accept responsibility.
“Ari thinks she can persuade Bryce to give me a dowry, but is unsure he will give the money to me outright, even though I’m an adult who has been taking care of myself for years.”
“Wait a minute, Bryce will give you a dowry?” The solution to her problem suddenly seemed as easy as picking tomatoes off the vine. “Marry me. You’ll have the status of a married woman and I can use the money to buy my sister out of her share of the farm.”
“You want to marry me for money?”
She sounded affronted. He’d bungled the proposal. “Not just for money. You’re a beautiful, resourceful woman. It would be my honor to take you as my wife.” Sure, the money was nice, but he jumped at the opportunity to keep her close and safe. He owed her his life.
“I’m older than you.”
“I’m three and twenty.”
“I’m twenty-six.”
He’d have guessed her to be his own age, or less. “A few years’ difference doesn’t matter.”
“I suppose not.” She met his gaze without flinching, her generous mouth drawn into a tight line. “Then, if you’re sure, I accept your offer. With a few conditions.”
Thirteen
Chapter 13
“What conditions?” Jesse looked guarded.
“From a legal standpoint, I don’t know how enforceable they will be, but this marriage needs to protect me and provide for my needs.” She would ask Ari about the legalities. There was no way she was entering a marriage of convenience—the phrase made her feel like a character in a historical romance novel—unless it was actually convenient for her.
“I will honor my word,” Jesse said stiffly.
He just might. “I don’t doubt your word, but I will feel more comfortable if we have everything in writing.”
“What if I have conditions?”
If he hadn’t jumped at the chance to get his hands on her (as yet only possible) dowry, she might have thought she’d hurt his feelings. “We will put everything in the contract.” If he asked for anything too odious, she would back out. He could change his mind, too, if the payout wasn’t sufficient.
“Number one, you will not hit me. Ever.”
“You think I would beat my wife?”
Okay, I hurt his feelings. Or his sense of honor, anyway. “You don’t seem the type, but even in my time, men beat their wives. I assume such behavior is even more rampant now since women have so few choices. Can a woman get a divorce for abuse?”
“I don’t know.”
“My point, exactly. Number two, if you die or abandon me, the money reverts to me.”
“What about our children?”
Diamond blinked. He intends to consummate the marriage. She had been thinking of more of a business transaction, but if they slept together, she would probably end up pregnant at some point. Her mouth went dry as she pictured his well-muscled body over hers. They could have a real marriage. No, he wanted her dowry, and she needed a haven in this harsh world. “I hadn’t considered children.” A cow to her right mooed, low and rumbling. Her calf took notice and scampered over to her. Diamond’s head spun at the thought of having her own children to care for. Having kids had never been part of her plan.
“Most of the money goes to you, but we allocate a part to any children.”
“I suppose that works.”
“I keep the money if you abandon me,” Jesse said.
Diamond scowled. “No, it’s my money.”
“Not by law.”
Diamond threw her hands up and turned back towards the city. “Forget it. It was a stupid idea, anyway.”
“Half. If you leave, you give up half the money.”
She swiveled back towards him and studied him through narrowed eyes. He was a tougher negotiator than she would have thought. “Fine. If I leave for a reason other than abuse, you keep half.”
“Anything else?”
“I get an allowance during the marriage.”
“Pin money is a standard part of most marriage contracts.”
“So most couples draw up a contract?” She’d thought prenuptial agreements a modern invention.
“Usually your father would handle your end.”
“Because as a woman, I’m too stupid to decide for myself?”
“So he could protect you.”
She rolled her eyes. “That covers the basics for me, but I might think of more before we draw up this contract. What are your conditions?”
“You live with my father while I’m in the army.”
“In New Madrid? Isn’t it under enemy control?” She hadn’t considered all the implications of marrying a Confederate soldier. Not only did she stand a good chance of becoming a widow, but her own safety might be at risk.
“My father is in Arkansas with the rest of the exiled Missouri government. Hopefully, my sister is already there. You would live with them.”
“What are
