As hoped, the mention of money and needy families blunted Linus Radley’s interest in the subject. He asked no more questions and indeed seemed decidedly uncomfortable in his chair. She’d never met a more tight-fisted man and his inclination to help those less fortunate wasn’t anything ever boasted about. She glanced at the clock. Almost ten. Julia was truly dragging her feet.
Melanie poured a second cup of tea for Mr. Radley but then discovered there was not enough for a second cup for herself.
“Will my sister be joining us soon, do you think?”
She smiled. Thinking fondly of her sister-in-law was easier now that they’d spent a little more time together. Julia had her moments but rising early without prompting from Valentine wasn’t one of them, apparently. Linus, being Julia’s brother, should have known of her inclination for late starts. Yet here he was, sitting expectantly in her company. “Our maid assured me she would be along soon.”
“And your brother is out?”
“Yes, swimming, as is his usual habit.” She handed him a cup. “I thought you would have joined him and the others.”
“Not today.” He set his cup aside untouched. “I cannot lie any longer. It was really you I wanted to speak with. I have a favor, a question to ask you if I might, and it is quite a personal matter, so please forgive my unconventional calling hour.”
“Oh,” Melanie said, but inside she groaned. She did not want to do him any favors. She simply wanted him to go away. Instead, she said, “How can I help?”
“I’d like you to be my wife.”
His statement, and his eager smile, caught her off-guard. A marriage proposal from Mr. Radley was the last situation she ever imagined herself in when she rose this morning. She forced her breath to calm, to not snap “absolutely not”. She held her tongue those precious few moments and all for the sake of peace within her family. She didn’t really like him but she hadn’t wanted to reveal the depths of her loathing.
“You are overcome,” he murmured, and then he switched seats to sit at her side. “I completely understand, but you should not be surprised.”
She was not overcome; she was in shock. This would be her twelfth refusal—and possibly the most awkward. Linus Radley was family by virtue of their siblings’ marriage. Melanie had turned down enough suitors that the necessary words sprang from her lips easily. She did not want children of her own although everyone expected her to marry and do her duty. Her only recourse was outright denial of any man’s suit so she would avoid conception altogether. “Mr. Radley, while I appreciate the honor you do me, I cannot accept.”
His mouth fell open. “Excuse me?”
The idea of a woman refusing to marry wasn’t as easily accepted as she might wish. If she ever dared hint at a disinterest in bearing offspring, she was usually stared at as if she were out of her mind. She had learned, early in her life, to keep her feelings about the matter to herself as a consequence. Usually she claimed other reasons for her refusal, and would again today.
“You have long been my brother’s friend and you are family since his marriage to your sister. We have been acquainted many years and while I have always thought very well of you, I do not believe we would suit as husband and wife.”
His jaw set and Melanie could see hints of his temper rising. This she also knew about him, from Julia and Valentine’s passing comments about Julia’s life before her marriage.
A volatile man would not suit her as a husband if she were ever inclined to marry. She did not approve of men who could fly into a rage so easily as to make a woman afraid. She did not fear Linus, but she would never place her well-being in the keeping of a temperamental man.
She folded her hands in her lap and patiently waited for him to understand her refusal was final, and there was nothing left to do but to take his leave.
“I see.” He glanced around, his eyes narrowing. “So you are nothing but a heartless tease.”
Melanie gaped at him. “I am not. Why would you say such a thing?”
“We are alone, and have been alone on many occasions in the past weeks since your return. Do you not think you make a man hope for a more intimate acquaintance, given your behavior?”
“You are family.” She stood, infuriated that her kindness had been twisted into something she’d never once intended or imagined. “I had no thoughts of a change in our relationship beyond ensuring your comfort in my brother’s home.”
Linus stood too, moving closer so they were eye to eye. His nostrils flared as he raked her with a harsh glance. “I think you like the attention of so many men dangling after you.”
She blanched at his accusation and took a pace back. She did her best to dissuade the most insistent of gentlemen callers by any means necessary. She had been very inventive. “I do not.”
“Then why flirt with every man you meet to the point where so many have proposed, only to decline them?” Radley took another pace toward her and her breath came too fast at the look in his eye. “Do you imagine yourself irresistible to all, but so far above us that our feelings matter so little? You must know everyone expects us to wed.”
She shook her head violently. “That is untrue. No one expects it.”
“Everyone expects a match to be made between us. Who else would you marry?”
Of all the nerve. She was almost rendered speechless by the suggestion. Almost. “I will not marry to please other people.”
“The size of your dowry and your beauty can only grant you so much latitude. Remember that when you throw your wiles at the next handsome man who comes calling on you.”
Melanie was astounded by his arrogance. He was passably handsome but no more than many men. “You flatter yourself.”