Yet he could fairly see the cogs turning in her brain.

She blinked, clearly not prepared for such an answer. “Physical relations will not be expected,” he managed. How could he not?īut this would be, as she had stated, a marriage of convenience. Well, he thought ruefully, he did desire her. No, he told himself fiercely, this would not be a physical union. “And the marriage bed?” she continued, her cheeks flaming bright pink though she held his gaze steadily.Ī vision slammed into his brain at that, an image of Miss Pickering lying in his bed, naked and rumpled and deliciously flushed from their lovemaking. “A marriage of convenience,” she murmured, as if testing the words. “And so, you see, you will have all the independence you desire.” “I will be there most of the time,” he continued. To his relief, she merely nodded, as if it made perfect sense. Bracing himself for her immediate disgust, he stated bluntly, “I own a gambling club.” She could be the prudish sort, of course, and balk at the idea of marrying a man who made his fortune in peddling sin. “I have a business in London I must see to.” But it was quickly gone, replaced by suspicion. Longing filled her eyes at that last bit. Which would give you all the freedom you could wish for.” In short, Miss Pickering,” he continued, “I am looking for a marriage in name only. “And, as they have spoken quite loudly on the fact that they would rather remain on Synne, and you would prefer to live here as well, it would be a simple matter of you moving out of your house and into Caulnedy.

“I have never in my life seen them respond to anyone as they do to you,” he continued. Not if he was to make certain they remained safe and protected and free of the shame that kept him up at nights. No, he could never provide them the love and affection they so dearly deserved. There was a sudden slice of pain at that thought, quickly brought under control. But they need minding, someone to watch over them and guide them.”Someone to give them the love I can’t. Yes, this was the approach he should have used from the first.Ĭlearing his throat, he began. She stilled, a calm coming over her, her lovely turquoise eyes, the very color of clear ocean water, steady on him. And I have been remiss in not laying all the facts before you, so you might better understand my reasons for wanting to marry a near stranger.” Important Reasons for Having Mirrors in Elevators

With love in sight by christina britton