Her mother had insisted she attend her calling hours, and as Minnie hadn’t yet plucked up the courage to tell her mother she might be ruined, she had no choice but to do as she’d been bid.
Footsteps outside the door made her shift in her seat. Tag was supposed to come visiting this morning. Not that they could discuss anything of any importance with her cousin in attendance.
But somehow, seeing him might make her feel better. Or worse. She didn’t know yet. On the one hand, she’d gotten the impression that if she said the word, he’d marry her. That would certainly make her mother happy.
Minnie’s own heart jumped. Marrying Tag would make her happy too. At least for a while. But she didn’t want him to marry her because he was obligated to do so. Or because she’d coerced him into it. She wanted a man who wanted her.
Even Lord Charleston had granted her that grace. Until he hadn’t, of course. Perhaps that was her issue. She didn’t want a man who was soft about his feelings for her. Not after the last time. He either wanted her or he didn’t. She’d not accept anything less.
The door swung open and her butler gave a slight bow. Minnie held her breath as she waited to see Tag.
“Miss Chase, Lord Charleston is here to see you.”
Her breath came out in a rush of air that made her shoulders hunch forward. “I beg your pardon?”
“It’s me,” a male voice called from behind her butler. “Please say that you’ll see me.”
She clenched her hands in her lap. What was Lord Charleston doing here? She nibbled the inside of her lip as she held in a sigh. “Of course, my lord.”
The butler stepped to the side and her former suitor entered. Minnie’s brow drew together. Had his shoulders always been that narrow? His blond hair flopped over his forehead as he tucked his chin into his neck to look down at her. “It’s good to see you again.”
She pressed her lips into a tight smile. “And you.”
“May I sit?” he asked, pulling at his coat.
Minnie gave a small nod. “Of course.”
Clearing his throat, he perched on the edge of the chair. He crossed one leg over the other than uncrossed them only to lift the other leg and cross them again. Minnie tried not to sigh. A month ago, two months ago, she would have welcomed Lord Charleston here. She’d fancied herself in love. But now? What she’d felt for him was like a drop compared with the well of emotion Tag brought out in her.
“I’ve some terrible news to share with you.” He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “My mother passed this past winter while at our country estate.”
Minnie’s eyebrows went up. She couldn’t help it. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know how important she was to you.”
He waved his hand, his gaze dropping to the ground. “I’m lost without her.”
Minnie gave a tight nod. She’d imagine he was. “I’m sure you’ll recover in time.”
He raised a hand. “That’s what I’ve come about actually.”
That surprised her. She leaned forward studying his face. “I’m not sure I know what you mean?”
He scooted forward a little further in his chair. Minnie had a moment where she was afraid he might tip out. “Miss Chase.” Then he dropped his voice. “Minnie.”
She sat back. He’d never been so informal. “Yes?”
“I’d like to request your hand in marriage.” He slid from his chair then, dropping down to one knee and taking her hand. “Nothing would make me happier than to make you my wife.”
Minnie tried to speak but words failed her. What came out was a series of gurgles and single syllables. Finally, she drew in a deep breath. “Lord Charleston, this is very sudden. I don’t know what to say…”
“Say that you’ll think about it. Please.” He squeezed her hand.
Minnie looked into his pale blue eyes and searched for her answer. She knew what her feelings toward this man were, this was not a love match. But she also knew exactly what she’d be getting. A husband who would bend to her will while shielding her from society’s scorn.
She frowned. By contrast, Tag filled her with the sort of heat and light that left her breathless. But he also didn’t want to marry her and would have to be coerced into the union. How would she feel about that when his initial interest in her waned? Would he resent her for trapping him? Would she hate him for being at the club when she wanted him home?
She slipped her fingers from Lord Charleston’s grip. “I’ll think about it.”
“Will you now?” Tag rumbled from the doorway.