“You are kind. But there’s only one woman in this town who captures my undivided attention. And she isn’t interested in marriage.”
He looked at her, and she smiled.
“Who is she?” Hannah asked.
He winked. “That’s my little secret.”
“I will not pry then.”
“Would you like to attend a dinner party tonight?”
“Oh, yes. I will be attending.”
“I would love to spend some time with you.”
&
nbsp; She smiled. “Are you interested in courting me?”
“We are both unmarried people looking for companionship, are we not?”
“Careful. I just might tell the girl of your dreams, you’re looking elsewhere.”
He laughed. “If only you knew who she was.”
They both laughed.
“I don’t think I want to marry anyone from this town,” Hannah said.
“Why not? I think I am a very good prospect.”
“You know all my faults and weaknesses. Maybe I want to start fresh.”
“I know all your faults and I accept each and every one of them.”
She grinned. “So I have a lot?”
He laughed, and she playfully touched him.
“Anyway,” she said. “That’s sweet. But if we courted and it didn’t work out, and mind you, we argue a lot, might not be a good match, then gossip would break out. It would be uncomfortable for both of us.”
“So if it’s a stranger, and doesn’t work out, he can leave.”
“Exactly.”
“You are scared of risk?”
“Very much so.”
“You should give me a chance.”
“We are to different.”
“So we’ve debated lots of subjects, who cares? We have different opinions, so what? You have never taken the time to really get to know me.”
“I do enjoy our difference of opinion. It’s fun to argue our points.”
“I know there’s more.”