Page 16 of Revealing a Rogue
Without thinking, she replied, “Well, yes.” She bent her head and shook it. “What I mean is…”
Affronted but curious, Landon said, “Yes?”
“It’s our duty to serve you to the best of our capabilities, and when you change directions, it sometimes means people have wasted time and effort. We hate to disappoint you, or any of the other PORFs, for that matter.”
“Do you fear you will disappoint me as a wife?”
Bronwyn twisted her hands, bunching her skirts in her lap. “Yes.”
“Let me ask you this before I give the order to leave. Do you wish to marry me, or have you agreed out of duty?”
How was she to answer? She wasn’t in love with him, nor did she expect him to be in love with her. While she had a strong physical attraction to the man, it hadn’t been the reason she agreed to wed him.
Landon sighed. “That was unfair of me to ask.” He drummed his fingers upon his knee. That habit indicated he was considering changing his mind.
A rush of anxiety rolled through her. “It is my wish.”
“Why?”
“Beg pardon?”
Landon arched one eyebrow. “Why do you wish to marry me?”
Blast.He had caught her unprepared. She’d have to list the traits she was aware he possessed and hope it would be sufficient to appease his curiosity.
“You are intelligent, honorable, and steadfast.” She clasped her hands in her lap and smiled up at him. “You take your responsibilities seriously and rule with fairness.” It wasn’t so hard to explain her admiration for him after all. “You care and protect your family with a fierceness that I find endearing.”
A blush rose in his cheeks as she continued to rattle off compliments.
“I suppose marriages have been founded on less.” He lifted his heel and stamped three times. The carriage rocked forward as the horses were set into motion.
Did she dare ask the same question of him? She wasn’t certain she wanted to know the answer, so she’d wait for another opportunity to ask.
Landon turned to look out the carriage window, and she did likewise. Streaks of sunlight glinted off shop windows as they rolled onto the main thoroughfare.
“Do you not fear I will be an embarrassment to you amongst the ton?”
“Pfft. I care nothing for the opinion of the ton.” He continued to stare out the window. “Mama, Theo, and Christopher all agree—I’ve made a sage decision.”
“I’ve not met either your mama or Lady Theo.”
“Apparently, my brother has supplied my mama with enough details that she believes in her heart that you are perfect for me. Theo has her own sources and is extremely excited for our return and to make your acquaintance.” Landon chuckled and then turned to face her. “Some might say she ordered me to present you to her posthaste. Which I’ll happily do as soon as we are in accord.”
“Are we in disaccord, my lord?”
“Aye, as you aren’t comfortable yet calling me by my Christian name. But I hope to rectify the situation by the time we arrive in Gretna Green.”
Oh, how she wished she’d managed to sleep the night prior. Landon had a sharp mind and was a master at disarming his witnesses. She’d need to keep her guard up and wits about her at all times.
Chapter Eight
Four years studying law at university and six years of cross-examinations in court had not provided Landon with the skills necessary to break down Bronwyn’s defenses. Emma was wise to ask him to be patient. For two days, Bronwyn steadfastly refused to give him any glimpse into the passionate woman he suspected lay beneath the remote exterior. They traveled in easy companionship, but as soon as a topic that bordered on a personal nature arose, Bronwyn would tactfully redirect their conversation.
His fiancée blinked as she rose from a nap. She’d been fitful in her sleep, and Landon had carefully repositioned her in order for her to rest her head comfortably upon his shoulder.
“Landon?”
“Yes, my dear.” He fantasized about kissing her again, but she hadn’t shown any interest in repeating the act that kept him semi aroused.
