Read Online To Catch A Spinster (The Reluctant Bride Collection) by Megan Bryce - Free Book Online

embarrassing! She, of all people. Felled by passion.
    Olivia exhaled loudly when he found her. He had come. The night was cool and she was glad she did not have to wait long for him, for his heat.
    Nathaniel bent to one knee, bringing a bouquet of flowers from behind his back.
    Olivia took a step back. “What are you doing?”
    “I’m asking you to marry me.”
    “Oh, Nathaniel. I can’t marry you.”
    Nathaniel stared. “Pardon? Have you become engaged to someone else while I wasn’t looking?”
    Olivia frowned. “Of course not. But you are simply feeling guilty for taking my...”
    “...maidenhead?”
    “My innocence.”
    “As you said before, Olivia, you were not an innocent. Inexperienced, and I rectified that, but you were definitely not an innocent.”
    True. But she couldn’t help feeling that this was a mistake and blamed it on his honor. He had ruined her for marriage, she was sure he thought so, and proposed to her out of guilt.
    “Nathaniel. I can’t marry you.”
    “Why not? We are eminently suited for each other.”
    “I would make you a terrible wife. I have been alone for too long.”
    Nathaniel shook his head.
    “Yes, I have. Not even you would let me sneak outside every clear night.”
    “Well-”
    “And what about children? I’m not sure I’m mother material. I don’t like being constantly distracted.”
    “Olivia-”
    “I do like being an aunt, it’s true. But I get to go home at the end of the day. When they stub their little toes, it’s not me they go running to.”
    “Olivia, I hate to mention this but we have been intimate. You may already be pregnant.”
    Olivia stared at him indignantly. “I thought you had taken care of that!”
    Nathaniel shrugged. “There is always the possibility.”
    She sat down in silence, considering. Finally, she shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
    “And you’re right, I wouldn’t let you sneak outside every clear night. It’s too dangerous, and I can’t believe your father allows it.”
    “I told you.”
    “But I would build you a tower. An observatory that you could escape to but would be safe.”
    She stared at him, torn between laughter at the idea and amazement. Had he considered this already?
    “An observatory?”
    “With your easels out there already—a chair, blankets. You could simply slip up there and I wouldn’t worry.” He laughed. “I was just congratulating myself on choosing an inexpensive wife.”
    Olivia shook her head. “It wouldn’t be the same.”
    “It would be better.”
    “I like helping my father with the estate. Truthfully, he hasn’t cared for the books in nearly five years.”
    “I don’t see why you would have to stop doing that. Indeed, I would enjoy input from you about my estates.”
    She shook her head. “I am as free as any woman could ever be. My life is exactly as I want it.”
    He took her hand. “When I am with you, my future does not seem so dark. When I am with you, life is colorful and wonderful. Can you not say the same?”
    She whispered sadly, “Nathaniel...”
    He let go of her hand. “Think on it, Olivia. We are perfect for each other.”
    She shook her head. “It’s impossible. Perhaps we could go on like this.”
    Nathaniel rose, taking a step back. “Perhaps not. One day we will both tire of sneaking around.” He pointed at the hard deck. “We will tire of bruised backsides. We will tire of having to separate at the end of the day.”
    Olivia said nothing, merely watched him with sad eyes.
    He turned to leave and she took a rose from her chair quickly. “Will you not stay tonight?”
    He shook his head. “I came offering you the stars and all you want is the moon. I will not settle for less, Olivia.”

Eight
     
    N athaniel found his mother at home the next morning. He threw himself into a chair, flopping into a boneless heap.
    “Good afternoon, Nathaniel.”
    “Mother. Prepare yourself; I’m getting married.”
    “Hallelujah. I assume to Miss