Page 79 of An Unholy Affair
‘You’re spoiling me,’ she said with a smile. ‘I’ll be rolling home in a bit.’
‘Help yourself. It’s homemade. One of Rosalind’s recipes that she got from her mother. Minus the sherry, of course.’
‘Thank you. It’s like an edible family heirloom.’
He put his head to one side. ‘I suppose it is.’
‘I think it’s a wonderful way to remember her.’ Eveline took a mouthful. ‘And delicious. Thank you, Simon, and thank you, Rosalind.’
Simon’s gaze turned serious, and Eveline suddenly worried that she’d been flippant about his late wife.
‘I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound irreverent. You must miss her terribly.’
‘No, no, my dear, you’re not speaking out of turn. Of course, I miss her. In fact, I often talk aloud to her as if she were still here. But life moves on.’
‘That must be a real comfort.’
‘Yes, yes, it is. Sometimes I wonder if I chat to her more now than I did when we were married.’ He laughed at his own joke. ‘I often get a feeling when I do it, as if she’s answering me from heaven.’ He cleared his throat. ‘And I know she’s given me her blessing.’
‘Blessing for what? Are you selling the house and downsizing?’
‘Well… Selling this place is part of the plan, but downsizing is not the reason.’
Eveline put down her spoon. ‘This sounds exciting. Are you going to travel the world?’
Simon barked out a laugh and shook his head. ‘No, I’m going to do what I really should have done a year ago but haven’t got around to until now.’
‘I’m intrigued. What are you only now getting around to?’
‘Marrying you.’
Time seemed to fracture as Simon’s words cut through her mind. He must have taken her silence as tacit approval because he continued.
‘No need to be coy, Eveline. I’m sure the thought has crossed your mind many times before. I’m well aware of your desire for matrimony and motherhood, and even though I’ve been around that particular block already with Alan and Laura, I’m willing to make the personal sacrifice, and do it again for your happiness.’ He frowned. ‘I know you’ll be concerned about a possible negative reaction from my children. But rest assured, the matter has been dealt with.’
‘W-what?’
‘I’ve already spoken to them about my intentions. After our marriage, I will, of course, move into the rectory with you, then sell this place and split the proceeds between Alan and Laura. That way we can have a fresh start and they won’t think you’re a gold-digger.’
God, is this a joke?
‘I still have my pension, so I won’t be marrying you completely empty-handed.’ He chuckled. ‘And, as you can see, I know my way around a kitchen. I’m a very modern man.’
The room wasn’t cold, but Eveline was shivering.
Simon reached his hand across the table towards her.
She withdrew hers onto her lap.
‘My dear, I appreciate when you’ve been a spinster for so long, marriage will be an adjustment. As will be the, er—’ He cleared his throat again. ‘Marital bed. But please take comfort in the knowledge that I’m an experienced man of the world and will be gentle with you.’
Eveline was seconds away from being sick. Taking a deep breath, she pursed her lips and exhaled it slowly out.
‘Simon. I’m, er, extremely flattered by your offer—’
He stood. ‘Let me get the fizz. It’s in the fridge. Back in a jiffy.’
‘Simon! Wait!’
