Duke of Daring (Lords of Scandal 1)

“I’m just trying to determine your motivations. Your sudden proposal is quite a surprise.”

He pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and two fingers. “Perhaps my first impression of you was incorrect.”

“Oh, this should be interesting. Tell me, what did you think of me?” Butterflies flitted in her stomach exposing her lie. She wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to know.

He dropped his hands. “That you’d be a suitable wife. I wished to speak with you to ask you to marry me.”

“But you no longer wish to ask?” That was besides the point. She didn’t want to marry him either. “And what about me precisely seemed suitable?” Even the word suitable made her heart sink. Diana was bold and daring. Minnie was strong and fiery. Grace was beautiful beyond compare and Ada was angelic. But Cordelia, the word burned in her brain. She was suitable. It wasn’t that she hadn’t known her entire life she was the least of all her cousins and sisters. But she’d hoped, perhaps foolishly, to find a man who thought her more. In fact, it had been the one dream that had carried her through a childhood where she was often unseen, surrounded by so many beautiful women.

“You’re not so loud and brash. You have manners, you seem quiet and--”

“Please, Lord Malicorn. That’s enough.” She held up her hand. “Much as I appreciate your offer for a suitable match. I simply must decline.”

“What?” He reached for her arm again but she was quick enough to step back this time. She wouldn’t be caught by him again.

Taking a breath, she notched her chin as Diana or Minnie would do. “You heard me, my lord. My answer to your proposal is no.”