Page 32 of Secrets Between Lovers

Tobias knew what Stillman’s question really meant. He’d been taken to speak with Maggie’s parents upon their unlucky encounter with the wardrobe, but this was the man whose opinion really mattered. Tobias dropped the lazy gaze and easy stance, allowed Stillman to see his true self. “I can provide for her. Easily.”

“She has no dowry.”

“I’m not surprised. There are many clues to reveal your family’s current financial situation if one but looks close enough.”

“And you’ve looked close enough?”

Tobias nodded.

“And you still proposed marriage?”

“I had to. Honor demanded it.”

“You didn’t want to, though.”

“I did want to.”

“And now, after she’s said no?”

She’d rejected him more than once. He shouldn’t still want her. “I’ve offered her friendship.”

“Lot of good that’ll do her. Since when has friendship repaired a broken reputation?”

“Excellent point. You should askherthat question.”

“Do you like her?”

Tobias nodded. He needed no time to think on the question. Maggie was one of the most likable people he’d ever met, even after she refused to marry a chap.

“You love her?”

Tobias’s hand paused in the middle of raising his glass to his mouth. After a breath, he continued the motion and took a long drink, taking his time to lower the glass once more. He’d known love once. The liquor in his stomach churned at the reminder of Celia.

“You do not.”

“I did not answer your question,”

“Your lack of an answer betrays you.”

Tobias gently placed his tumbler on the mantel and strolled to a nearby bookcase, trying in vain to read the titles on the spine in the flickering light. “We’ve only known one another less than a week. This is not a novel.” He turned to face the viscount. “Tell me, does your sister desire love?” He should have thought to ask Maggie herself. It was a crucial question. But once he’d entered her room, he’d found it difficult to focus on anything but her, so close to being completely undressed. Then he’d seen her sketches and he’d lost all words. Then she’d kissed him and he’d lost all thought.

“My sister wants … Damn.”

The man didn’t know. Did anyone actually talk to Maggie around here? Did her family think of her as an actual human being? Or as a pretty little ornament to round out their numbers? Tobias stood, speaking softly. “I know what Lady Maggie wants, and it is not me. I’ll respect her wishes.”

Stillman did not look at him. “Maggie refuses to do what is right. I cannot give in to her desires on this.”

Tobias strode toward the door. He’d had enough of this interrogation. His bed called, and his room reminded him of Maggie. He’d have sweet, frustrating dreams this night. “I fail to see how you’ll make us both do asyouplease.”

“Wait.”

Tobias stopped, his hand on the door.

“I may not know what she wants, but I love her. If you hurt her—”

“I won’t. I swear it.” She was the one with all the power to hurt, not him.

Chapter 11