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“Well…” He lifted both shoulders.

“Good.” She grimaced. “Well, not good, but…I think we could be of benefit to one another.”

“Marianne, you need not concern yourself over what you say to me.”

“In other words, spit it out, woman.” Her eyes twinkled.

Seth chuckled. “Indeed.”

“Well, you have need of a wife. I have need of a husband. So why do we not marry?”

He opened his mouth and closed it. He should have seen where this was going and yet he had not fathomed it. Mostly because all he could think about was Pru arriving shortly and getting lost in her arms. He forced his attention firmly on Marianne.

“I—”

She held up a hand. “It would be in name only. I would not get in the way of any of your, uh, activities, though I hope we might still spend some time together.” She leaned forward. “It’s very logical, Seth. We might not have love for one another but we have respect. You could have your much-needed marriage, and I can have a father for my child.”

Logical. God, even Pru would agree it was logical. But the thought of marrying for something other than love…

Christ, love. That word had been fluttering around his brain like an annoying fly for weeks now. He’d never even considered it before…well, before meeting Pru.

“Marianne, I…”

She nodded slowly. “You do not wish to marry me.”

She said it before he had even uttered it to himself fully. Marianne was an exquisite woman, and he knew she would stick to her word. He would be able to live the life of a bachelor—albeit discretely—while fulfilling the terms of the will.

“I am sorry. Do you have other options?”

Marianne gave him a soft smile. “I always have other options, Seth.” She put her fingers to his cheeks. “I think wecould have made quite the team, but there are plenty of other men who would not complain about marrying a rich widow.”

“I hope you will be happy, Marianne.”

She patted her stomach. “With a child finally, I am certain I will be. But what about you, Seth? Will you be happy?”

He smirked. “I am always happy.”

“Especially when a certain Mrs. Hastings is by your side.” She gave him a knowing look.

The mere mention of her name had his heart racing. It was no lie. He never had a sour moment when he was with Pru. Even when she was buried in books and ignoring him, he adored her.

No. Not adored. Loved.

“Christ,” he muttered.

“Just realized something, Seth?”

“I think I may have done.”

Marianne rose from the chaise, and Seth followed her out of the room. “Well, I hope you do the right thing. She seems like a remarkable woman.”

He nodded. “She really is.”

Marianne paused on the top step at the door and gave his hand a squeeze. “Best of luck to you.”

He grinned, unable to stop the curving of his lips expanding into what was no doubt a ridiculous smile. “And you.”

As he watched Marianne enter her waiting carriage, his gaze landed on Pru, hastening along the street, a hand to her hat. He frowned. Even with the time spent with Marianne, he doubted enough time had passed for her to be punctual. Which meant she was early. What could be wrong?