“Yes, she was quite excited over the prospect of her new position.” A shadow crossed her face.
He could guess at the cause. How could Mary have already found her place? If only Beatrice realized how unique she was, how special in many ways, as was her situation. She deserved the best.
Which only made him worry more as he was far from that.
“I’m pleased to hear it.”
“Did you have an update on the investigation?” she asked.
“Not as of yet.” He tightened his lips, wishing he did. His failure to have resolved it only made her accepting his proposal less likely.
“Are you certain you’re feeling well?” she asked as she frowned. “You don’t seem quite yourself.”
“I confess there is something on my mind.”
“Oh? Is it anything I can help with?”
“Yes, actually. It is.”
Her eyes widened. “What?”
He swallowed, only to realize his mouth was too dry to do so. “Beatrice,” he said as he took her smooth hand in his. “You must know by now that I care for you.” Yes, he realized as he met her gaze. This was the right approach. “I admire you a great deal. You have acted courageously during the time I’ve known you.”
Her puzzled expression suggested he’d digressed.
He cleared his throat and tried again. “I can’t help but think we would suit well together.”
“Suit well?” She tilted her head as if further confused by his statement.
“Yes.” This was it. The moment. He kept hold of her hand and lowered to one knee. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Her eyes went wide with shock, her body stiffening. “Wife? Your wife?”
“Yes.” Her reaction wasn’t the happy one for which he’d hoped. His nerves tangled in knots at the realization.
“Oh, Daniel. That is so...kind of you. I don’t know what to say.” She bit her lip as she studied him.
Say yes, he wanted to shout. Then her words sank in. Kind? He wasn’t doing this because he was kind.
“Are you certain this is wise?” she asked. “Or that it’s truly what you want?”
“Of course, it is. I care for you, Beatrice.”
She dropped her gaze, her sooty lashes hiding her eyes as a lovely rose colored her cheeks. “Are you proposing because you feel sorry for me?”
He frowned. Now he was the one who was puzzled. “Why would I feel sorry for you?”
“Because my reputation is ruined. You think I have no other prospects.”
“No. While I don’t care to see you distressed, I’m asking because I care for you.” He placed a finger under her chin, hoping she’d meet his gaze. When at last she looked at him, he saw all the worry in their depths and wanted nothing more than to ease it. And that urge had nothing to do with pity. “I care deeply for you.” His gaze fell to her lips and desire seeped slowly through him, causing his heart to thud. “I can see us spending our lives together. Can you?”
When she didn’t immediately respond, he stood and pulled her up as well, holding her in the circle of his arms. She fit perfectly there. Then he gave in to the urge to kiss her, loving the feel of her mouth beneath his. But he wanted more. He wanted her to respond with passion. He pressed his tongue along the seam of her lips, hoping she’d allow him entrance.
She did and the sensation was glorious. While he’d known he desired her from their previous encounters, the deepening kiss spiraled his need for her into more than he’d bargained for.
The feel of her fingers along his jaw was heavenly. He moved his hands down to her hips and brought her closer, wishing he could make her understand how he felt when she was in his arms. This was no ordinary passion, but something special. Did she feel it too?
“This must mean congratulations are in order.” His brother’s voice broke through the desire clouding his thoughts.
Beatrice jerked back, her grey eyes holding on Daniel as she trembled in his arms.
“How exciting,” Caroline added as she clapped her hands.
“Actually, she hasn’t yet answered.” A sinking feeling gripped Daniel as he watched a myriad of emotions cross Beatrice’s face.
Her grey eyes were the color of a winter storm, and her brow was wrinkled with worry. None of that suggested happiness at his proposal. Her uncertainty put a heavy knot in the pit of his stomach. Did she think they wouldn’t suit after all?
Chapter Twelve
Beatrice risked a glance at Caroline and Aberland, her heart beating wildly, before looking back at Daniel. She couldn’t quite grasp what was happening. Had Daniel truly asked her to marry him?
One look at his expression confirmed it. To her surprise, he looked as if he questioned what her answer would be. The hint of concern in his eyes tugged at her heart. Perhaps he hadn’t asked her out of pity after all.
Hope stole through her at the thought, bringing warmth along with it. Did he truly care for her? Even though he knew what she’d been through? In many ways, this was a dream come true. To marry a man she liked and respected who knew the truth.
She gave herself a mental shake. Liked? Respected?
Who was she trying to fool? She’d already fallen for Daniel. That last kiss made the truth undeniable. And while he’d asked to marry her, she couldn’t expect him to feel the same way she did. He said he cared for her. He hadn’t mentioned anything about love. He might never have the depth of feelings for her that she had for him.
Was that enough?
Yes, she realized as hope took a firmer grip. For now, it was. Despite her doubts, she dared to dream for even more. How could she not reach for it?
“What do you say, Beatrice?” Daniel asked even as his body slowly stiffened as if to brace himself for her refusal. “Will you be my wife?”
“Yes.” She drew a quick breath, hardly able to believe this was happening. Yet the wild joy
