"She'll return," she reassured him. "She just needs some time to figure things out." "But not her heart?" The subtle distinction made Charley wince. "I'm certain she cares for you," she insisted, "but she's not ready for marriage yet." If you give her space, maybe then... His expressive eyebrows, with their intriguing silkiness, met hers quizzically. "Miss Jones, are you seriously suggesting I wait for Adelina to sort her life out?" Well, had she? With determination, she replied, "If you truly love her—yes, I believe in giving her time." But she added, "You'd be a hopeless romantic, because it won't work out like that." He abruptly stood, distancing himself from the desk. "An engagement is scheduled for next Saturday, and I intend to see it through." Without a新娘? Charley gaped at him. "You mean...you plan to track her down and force her into marriage?" The absurd image of Adelina, resisting every step, being forcibly escorted by him to the altar made her chuckle. "No," he corrected. Reaching behind him, he gingerly picked up Adelina's letter, folding it meticulously. "What I mean is, I'll replace her with someone else." He sought justice for feeling deceived, and if that meant marrying you in Adelina's stead, by proxy, he would do it without hesitation.
