Page 401 of Conveniently Wed
She rested her hand on his arm and squeezed. “I’m so sorry, Josiah. I keep trying to change the subject to something easier, and it’s going from bad to worse.”
A watery smile filtered through. “Do you realize you said my name without hesitation?”
“I did?”
“You did.” He offered his elbow before continuing up the stairs and, because her hand was already on his arm, it did not feel too foreign to slip it into the crook.
“Come, let’s get the inside done so we can get out into the sunshine.”
Room after room was opened. After a few, she said, “Why are so many sparsely furnished?”
“The Yankees used some of the furniture for firewood. Thankfully not all.” He looked down at her. “I’ve thought aboutwhat you said yesterday, and I agree. I have much to be thankful for.” He smiled. “With you at the top of my list.”
The intensity in his gaze caused heat to rise and burn her cheeks. She cast her eyes to the floor.
He placed a finger under her chin and raised her head. “I’m thankful you agreed to marry me, whatever the motivation, and I aim to prove your choice a wise one.”
Her stomach flip-flopped, and she gave him the best smile she could muster. His kindness touched a deep reservoir of unchartered emotion. She had spent a lifetime trying to win approval and, for the first time, someone cared about winning hers.
“We’re back to our wing of the upper floor.” He opened a room beside Katie’s. A small bassinet, crib, and rocking chair graced the nursery. “Georgina and I never—” A momentary look of yearning came over his face, but he shut the door without saying a word, just looked down at her as if she was supposed to know what to say.
He wanted children. She could see it in his eyes. But the thought made her hands twist into the folds of her dress. They would have to do a whole lot of what she longed to avoid. Her hand fluttered to her throat.
He turned toward the steps. “Our bedrooms you’ve seen. Later, we can revisit them together.” The tease was back in his tone.
He stopped for a moment to lean on the balcony rail and gaze down to the entrance. “This house is quite grand when you stop long enough to take it in.”
“Grand and unnecessary, if you ask me.”
“Ah, you’re a practical girl. I like that.” He swept his hand down the stairway. “Shall we, my love?”
As they descended the steps, she placed a hand to her heated cheeks. They must be red from his intimate remarks. She was not ready for endearments. Would she ever be?
He crossed the foyer. “This room I love.” He swung open the double doors to an enormous drawing room. The rich oak floor gleamed in the sunlight that poured through the full-length glass doors that opened to the garden beyond. A huge chandelier hung majestically from a sculptured obelisk.
“Crystal,” he said as she gazed upward. “This room transforms into a beautiful ballroom. Almost as beautiful as you.”
He ran the back of his workworn knuckle down her face, and she shivered.
“Maybe this Christmas we’ll invite the community and put this room to use. There’s still so much division between neighbors regarding the freedom of slaves. We could offer something enjoyable to bring the community back together.”
She walked farther into the room so he couldn’t read her face. Parties? Dancing? Her worst nightmare. A cold sweat broke out on her forehead. She had to change the subject, and fast.
“So, why wasn’t this place torched when they left, like?—”
“Can’t be sure, but I think there is truth to the story that a blue coat officer was stationed here and grew partial to the home’s beauty. Rumor has it that he loved music, dance, and entertaining the ladies. Unlike me. I don’t fall easily, but when I do…”
He moved close beside her. A faint woodsy scent filled her senses. When she braved a peek upward, his expression did not hide his longing. She found his honesty unnerving, especially when she felt nothing in return.
The coward in her took over. Her eyes darted around the room. “I’ve heard stories of a ballroom like this and dreamed ofseeing one someday, but to think I live in a house with all this grandeur.”
“The house is to your liking?”
“Honestly, Josiah. I can’t deny its loveliness, but it overwhelms me.”
A wide grin split his face, making him look ten years younger. “Look how far we’ve come since yesterday. You’ve used my name twice without prompting. Come, one more thing.” Taking her hand, he pulled her into the kitchen. “But I need the oil lantern.”
“Where are you taking me? To lock me in the dungeon for sleeping in and not fulfilling my part of the bargain last night?”
