Would she even marry him?
Do you think that marrying me will further your situation?Her words rang hollow in his ears.
“It will help me. But it will help both of us. I hope you realize that. Esther will have a future. She will be provided for. The best schools. The best of everything.”
She stood up and walked away from him. Her dress was neatly pressed, showing that she was feeling better about herself. Her hair was shiny and neatly pinned on top of her head with small pearls peeking out between the strands. Although she was dressed simply, she wore the clothes as though they were the finest silks.
“Would this be a marriage of convenience?”
That was not the response he was expecting.
Christopher's face burned. What was he supposed to say to that?
He had not thought that far ahead, even though he should have. He was currently concerned with crafting a response for the attorney back in Virginia. Of course, he was more than willing to make their marriage traditional, with all the intimacies associated with it.
But Lauren hadn’t recovered from the terrible loss of her husband, and she was still dealing with the melancholy that childbirth brought on. He wouldn’t force her into anything she didn’t desire. He’d be content to be married in name only.
“I will never ask you to do anything that'll make you feel uncomfortable. I know you are still grieving for your husband. Right now, why don’t we marry, so I can secure my… I mean, our future, and then if you want to discuss that part we can.”
He waited with bated breath as she staring off into space her arms wrapped around her waist.
“I’m a terrible mother, you know.”
Christopher stood moved behind her, laying his hands on her shoulders. “No, you aren’t. Where is Esther?”
Lauren looked over her shoulder at him. “Millie took her this morning. I think Mary Rose likes playing big sister. It gave me a bit of a break and allowed me to take a bath. I feel human once more.”
“Lauren, you are allowed to need help.” Perhaps this was the moment he needed. “In fact, I had someone I wanted you to meet.”
Lauren turned around so she was facing him. “I don’t know if I’m up to meeting anyone new.”
Christopher cupped her chin and dragged his finger across her lower lip. How easy it would be to lower his head and kiss her like he had done in his dreams so many times before. But she deserved more than that. She deserved flowers, and gifts, and soft words.
“I think you’d like her.”
“Her?” He heard her voice rise. “You asked me to marry you and you want me to meet another woman?”
“It isn’t like that. Mrs. McAllister worked for my mother. She was an excellent housekeeper, and she loves children. I think she might be able to provide you so relief.” He watched emotions play across her face. How he wanted to see her happy. “Do you love Esther, Lauren?”
“With every breath in me. But she is always crying and making noise and there are times I don't know what to do.”
“That’s okay. Maybe having someone teach you what you need to know will help you have a stronger bond with your baby. Plus, you’ll have someone to talk with during the day.”
“I can’t afford a housekeeper, Christopher. I can barely afford to feed myself. I was thinking of selling everything and going home.” She looked up at him with large eyes. “Why did you ask me if I loved Esther.”
“Because if you love her, then you will do everything you can to protect her. That is a mother’s instinct. I’ve seen it in humans and animals.”
Lauren bit her bottom lip. “Do you love her, Christopher?”
He felt his cheeks lift in a grin. “I do, Lauren. I love her very much.”
“What about me?”
He staggered backward as if she had punched him. “What?” He felt this was a trick question.
“Do you love me?”
“I care for you a great deal, Lauren. A great deal. I would like to think that it could turn into love quite easily.”
