What A Gentleman Wants Read Online Free PDF Page B

any.”
    “I meant it seriously.”‘ Hannah threw him a reproving look.
    “I didn’t question the merit of the idea, only the practicality.”
    He was quiet for a long time, and Hannah went back to her sorting. A gardening almanac made the box, a book of poems did not Her two favorite novels went into the box, handprint-free periodicals did not, nor did another book of poems. Her box was already over half-full, and she was only a third of the way through the shelves. She would probably have to go through the box again, she thought regretfully. If only she had her own cottage…
    “You could marry me.”
    Hannah dropped the book in her hands. “David— I didn’t—”
    “No. It’s a serious offer, and you should seriously consider it.” He leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. Hannah met his dark eyes for a long moment
    “Thank you, but I couldn’t. We’re barely acquainted.”
    “It would solve your problem,” he said as if she hadn’t spoken. “I can support you. I like Molly very much, and would try to be a good father for her. You won’t have to choose which books to keep, and you’ll stay mistress of your own house.”
    “There’s more to marriage than being able to support a wife,” Hannah said, almost amused in her disbelief. He nodded.
    “I understand. I wouldn’t ask for any other comfort than you’ve already given me.” Hannah cleared her throat and busied herself with the books in front of her, hardly able to believe that she was discussing marriage with a near-stranger.
    “Why would you marry me? What do I have to offer you?”
    “Salvation, perhaps,” he said. “The goodness in life I’ve been so short of. The moral character I’ve never had.”
    “David, I can’t offer you salvation, or goodness,” said Hannah, dismissing the idea with a smile. “You must find those things within yourself. Why do you think you can’t?”
    He scratched his chin, thinking. “Because I never have. I’ve never tried, in case you were about to ask, but I can’t even think how I would go about it.”
    “It’s different for every person. Depending on someone else to do it for you will only delay the business.”
    His mouth crooked in a grin. “I’ve delayed it for thirty-two years.”
    “It’s never too late to start.” Hannah reached for another stack of books. “But I’m honored to be asked.”
    “I meant it. Perhaps what you say is true, but I’m not withdrawing the offer. I could take care of you. Did you love your husband?”
    Startled, Hannah nodded. “
Yes
,” she said in a husky voice.
    “He was a lucky man. Do you think you could ever love another?”
    Hannah didn’t want to let herself think about it. After Stephen died, she had buried her feelings for him deep in her heart, resolving to be brave and happy for Molly’s sake, and for the most part she had been. But the question caught her off guard. Could she ever feel that way about another man? Stephen was dead. He had once filled her heart, and while she would never forget him, the void was growing every day, and she didn’t know if she should fight it or not. “Perhaps,” she murmured.
    “The possibility is all I would ask. I won’t push you.” She said nothing. “I promise the decision would be yours.”
    “I couldn’t promise it would ever happen.” Was she possibly considering this? “And I couldn’t accept your offer if I thought it wouldn’t.” That didn’t come out quite the way she had intended. It sounded as if she wanted time to think about it. “I think you should reconsider,” she added gently. “I’m honored by your offer, but you should reserve it for someone you feel something for.”
    “I feel something for you,” he said with a sideways look. “Friendship. Respect. Admiration. Do you know how rare it is to find that in another person?” He ran one hand through his hair, looking frustrated. “I could return to London and find the sort of wife my brother would take,