“Marriage? Family? Candlelit nights by the ocean?”
“Yes to all of that.”
“Then, as far as I can tell, we want the same things.” He lay his head down, pressing hers into his shoulder.
She drew in a deep breath. Ophelia supposed all of that was true. “You’re right. Perhaps we do want the same things but the why of it is where we differ. Why do you want me?”
He began to rhythmically stroke her back and she relaxed a bit. “I’ve already told you. You’re perfect for me.”
His words did make a girl feel good, she had to admit. A heaviness was settling over her limbs, his touch and his words soothing away her fears. “That’s lovely.”
“What is it you want?” he asked, peppering little kisses along her hairline.
She sighed, closing her eyes. “Well, besides everything we’ve already mentioned, I wanted to find a great love. Your offer is so tempting, Chase, but I’d imagined a man who loved me with all his heart.” She opened her eyes to meet his. “I know I’m a fanciful dreamer. I understand that but I still wished for a man who thought I was his great love. Once I say yes to you, I’ve given up on that dream forever.”
* * *
Words clogged his throat as Ophelia cuddled into his side. How could she not understand that he did love her? But then he realized he’d never said the words.
His mind argued back that his affection was in every caress, the way he held her now. But just this morning, he’d gotten on his horse and left her. And she was so new to physical relationships…Ophelia wasn’t likely to know the difference in a man’s touch when he cared for a woman versus when he did not.
Her limbs relaxed into his body, her arm across his chest and one leg over his thigh. His own lids were growing heavy, but he didn’t want to be found here in the morning. That wasn’t how they’d start their life together. If it was love she wanted, then he’d have to find a way to show it to her.
His mind searched for a plan until he found himself drifting off to sleep. Slowly, he slipped from the bed, hating to leave her side. He consoled himself with the knowledge they’d share a bed soon enough as husband and wife. Forever.
After grabbing his boots in his hand, he made his way out of her room and down the hall. Creeping down the stairs, he entered the library and grabbed his shirt, shrugging the garment over his head.
“I often leave my shirt in the library as well.” A stone-cold male voice called from the far end of the room next to the fire.
Chase’s stomach dropped as he slowly turned about. By the dim light of the fire he could just see Mr. Moorish sitting back in his desk chair. Chase straightened, not bothering to waste either of their time with denials or quibbling. “I’ve already asked her to marry me.”
The older man rubbed his forehead. “Ophelia?”
“Yes.” he set down his boots. “Who else?”
Mr. Moorish shook his head. “Best to make certain in these circumstances. Did you compromise her?”
He winced, hoping to get away with a half-truth. “I assure you her maidenhead is still intact.”
“That’s good at least.” The man rose from his behind his desk, coming around to the front. “And I’m glad that you already proposed. I’d hate to have to force a duke, but Ophelia is the backbone of this family. I can’t have her ruined—I don’t mean socially, I mean emotionally.”
Chase shifted on his feet. “I love your daughter.” The knot in his stomach eased. Why was that so easy to say when she wasn’t in front of him? “And I apologize if I’ve disrespected your family. I…” He held his fist. “Ophelia craves a romantic adventure and I want to give that to her to win her heart.” Suddenly, all the answers became clear. If he wanted Ophelia to say yes, he had to sweep her off her feet.
The older man leaned back on his desk rubbing his face. “You’re not wrong there and that’s my fault. Without their mother, I’ve shut the girls off from the world. I didn’t have much choice, I suppose. I have to work to support my family, but my daughters need to find husbands and Seabridge Gate won’t provide those.”
Chase shrugged. “It provided me,” he answered. “Speaking of…I’ll need
to buy a property nearby. I can’t picture Ophelia being far from her family. Do you know of any suitable ones or will I have to build?”
Mr. Moorish chuckled lightly. “Any anger I might have been harboring just disappeared. I’m sure we can find something for you. Now tell me, Your Grace, you’ve asked her to marry you, created a plan to woo her. I take it that she has yet to agree?”
“You’re right on that front.” Chase took a step back and then sat down on the very settee he and Ophelia had occupied earlier. “But I am doing my best to convince her.”
“I’ll intercede on your behalf. She doesn’t have a choice at this point.”
Chase held up a hand. “Please give me one more day. Ophelia needs this one chance to live her fairy tale.”
Her father gave a stiff nod. “I can’t say that I like it but if I have your assurance this will end in a marriage that includes you living near Seabridge Gate then I will consent.”