Page 185 of Snowbound Surrender

His gaze lifted from his hands to Anne, who pinked slightly under his gaze. She was certainly no consolation prize. Her beauty grew each time he beheld her, and if that kiss were anything to go by, their lovemaking would be spectacular.

Maxim coughed and shifted in his seat. Was he seriously considering this? What sort of life would he be taking her into? One of lies, secrets, moving around the world, never settled, never safe, never secure?

He would not choose that for anyone, let alone a young lady who is evidently intelligent, witty, beautiful – and with a family that cares for her.

Sir Thomas was staring at him, clearly waiting for a response. Maxim swallowed. He did not need a marriage, exactly – just an engagement. It would satisfy Sir Thomas’ desperation, distract the court gossipers from investigating his true lineage, and may even give him some more chances to kiss Miss Anne Marsh…

Maxim swallowed. “I may not be good marriage material, Sir Thomas. I have a secret – ”

But Sir Thomas did not permit him to continue, scoffing, “Oh, no such great secret I assure you. Everyone knows youare not the Czar’s heir really, and I think you most foolish to continue saying it! You are here for a stipend, sir, you are here for money. Well, I can make this marriage worth your while.”

“Enough!”

Both gentlemen looked at Anne, shocked to hear such an explosive word from her lips.

“Money should not be moving in either direction when it comes to discussing my marriage!” Anne glared at Maxim who felt a little ashamed. She continued, “Father, what you are suggesting is tantamount to selling me off to the highest bidder! I should be more than a daughter to you. A precious jewel, one that you would never consider selling, but perhaps would give away to someone who not only deserved it, but knew how to appreciate it!”

Something deep inside him stirred as Maxim heard her words. Did he deserve Anne? It was evident that she was educated, witty, charming, and beautiful. What did he have to offer?

He swallowed. He was usually the one commanding a room, had always been the centre of any discussion back in Russia. It was time to take charge.

“I suggest a compromise.”

Anne and Sir Thomas turned to look at him, and for the first time in their conversation, Maxim felt a little discomforted. How would they react to his suggestion?

“I admit, an English wife would open more doors for me across Europe,” he said carefully, avoiding Anne’s eye. “Particularly one like Miss Marsh. Well raised, clearly a gentlewoman, and with such beauty…”

Despite himself, he had caught Anne’s gaze, and his voice trailed off. She was not impressed by his words.

“And so I suggest,” Maxim said hastily, looking now at her father, “that we announce the engagement in the morning, and plan the wedding for Christmas Day.”

“That is just over a week away!” Anne spluttered.

Maxim wavered aside her objection. “We are all stuck here in this St. James’ Court you all love so much, with little other company. We will have the equivalent of years to become accustomed to each other, and with the Archbishop of Canterbury here for the festivities, he can give us a special dispensation.”

“But you have forgotten,” Anne said, a little tartly, “that I have no wish to marry you!”

“But the engagement will restore your reputation,” said Maxim urgently. “That is your concern, is it not? We can say it is an engagement of long standing, that we were overcome for an instant at the joy of meeting again here, and that the wedding will be just one week away.”

“And if she does not wish to wed you?” Sir Thomas smiled weakly at his daughter. “You do not think I would actually force you to do something that distressed you, do you?”

“Miss Marsh can inform me on Christmas Eve whether she wishes to go ahead with the marriage,” Maxim said quickly. “If not, I will disappear to France the next morning – I am due to see some friends there in any event – and Miss Marsh will be a jilted, sorrowful figure. One to claim society’s pity, not scandal.”

There was a moment of silence, and then Anne said, “Father, you cannot seriously be considering – ”

“‘Tis an excellent suggestion,” Sir Thomas said heartily. “And I think I do not speak out of turn, Your Grace, when I say I think Anne will capitulate and wish to marry you in that time, giving you, as you say, a lovely English bride.”

Maxim bowed his head and could not help but smile. “I concur with you, sir.”

Anne leaned close and whispered under her breath, “What do you think you are doing?”

“Giving you an escape route from this conversation,” he returned.

She glared and then her features softened. “I may have just as many secrets as you, you know.”

Maxim shrugged. How little she knew. “I doubt it.”

Her gaze flickered to her father, who was beaming, and then returned to Maxim. “Well, then. It appears I have no choice but to acquiesce.”