He left the kitchen and was
surprised when Emma followed him a few minutes later. “You
don't see a problem with it?”
“With
what?” he asked, setting down the piece of iron work he had picked
up. It was shaped like a portly pig.
“Dandling
both of us. My mouth and nose might be overlarge, but I've never been
mistaken for a man before.”
Nicholas felt
his jaw slacken. “And nor should you,” he argued. “You think
because I loved your cousin I'm only interested in men.”
She nodded
curtly.
“I am not,
I assure you. I am a lover of man, mankind. I love the heart that
beats within you Emma. I can see it is a good one. One that should
not be shunned by so many so easily. I do not deserve even a tiny
piece of it, but I would bring it joy if I may.”
She regarded
him silently. “I will think on it,” she said, a flush rising in
her cheeks.
“I will
wait as patiently as I can,” Nick answered, not approaching her,
but moving to examine her embroidery. He raised his head to ask her
about it, but she was gone again.
