Chasing Time

Cromer, England

“Pardon?” Miss Constance Lansing blinked twice. Had she heard the man correctly?

Red hair combed to perfection and the freckles on his face more pronounced with the afternoon sun pouring down from the heavens and sparkling off the ocean water, Mr. Hamish Sharp cleared his throat. “I asked if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife.”

Her stomach jolted.

Marry him?

In an attempt to hide her reaction, she tilted her head to the left, struggling to think of something to say. No words came to her. Shock obliterated her sense. Waves crashing to the shoreline roared in her ears.

“I believe I’ll make a suitable husband. Our fathers are friends and our families know each other.” He shyly smiled. “You’re a most beautiful lass.”

His last words eliminated her surprise. No man had ever said something so splendid to her. “How kind.”

“I can assure you, I will be the best of husbands. We will live close so you can continue to help your mother and father run the inn. At a time when my father is ready to hand over his smithy, I’ll assume his duties and business.”

His words pressed heavily on her heart, yet not quite as heavily as they once would have. When young, she and her cousin, Millicent, would write to each other about how they dreamed of marrying a prince they loved. As she grew up, she understood a prince would never come for her, but still wished for love and a man who might spirit her away from Cromer to a better life elsewhere. “You must speak to my father.”

“I did. Yesterday.”

“Papa gave his permission?”

“He said I needed your acceptance, and seeing as how you are currently without suitors, he would support our union if you were agreeable.”

Drat.

She had no suitors presently or previously. Many in the village considered her peculiar because she preferred to spend the little free time she had outside or in the stables with the animals. Hamish never seemed bothered by her oddity. They’d known each other since childhood and were of a similar age.

She should say yes and be grateful he offered. She’d begun to think no man ever would. Her mother had been right when she explained people of their ilk were not meant for lives of romance.

Hamish was a gentle sort, and she would more than likely live a comfortable life with him, even if boring.

Perhaps she was being unfair to the man. She knew without a doubt he would never hurt her. He’d always seemed shy and nervous around her. Had he been hiding his fondness for her?

Contemplation of his affections would wait until later. “Hamish, I’m flattered by your proposal. May I answer you when I return from my trip to London?”

His face fell, and she loathed herself for his discomfort.

“It is just that I promised my cousin I’d visit. I wish to go while I am unmarried. I would not want to leave a husband for a month or two.”

His face brightened. “You’re not refusing me?”

She shook her head. “Quite the contrary. I would be a fool to refuse a man as kind as you. Upon my homecoming, I will come to you straightaway and give you my response.”

The bell on the door to the inn tinkled. Papa exited and headed toward them. “Am I interrupting?”

She squinted at him. “Hamish proposed. I told him I would give him my answer when I arrive back from London.”

Papa frowned. “You still plan to go?”

“I promised Millicent. She begged me, Papa, I must go.”

“Indeed.” His lips pressed into a straight line. “Hamish, I planned to welcome you to the family today, but I guess I will have to wait.”

“Miss Constance is worth whatever wait I may suffer.” He pointed at his horse with his thumb. “I must get back. My father is expecting me.”

She reached out a hand to him. “I’ll see you upon my homecoming.”

“I eagerly await the day.” He kissed her hand, shook her father’s, then started toward his horse. Once mounted, he saluted to them and shot off down the sandy coast.

“Why didn’t you warn me?”

Her father rubbed his neck. “Your mother thought it better to surprise you.”

“She did?”

“She gave me an entire story about how if her father had told her I planned to propose, she’d have fretted until it happened.”

“Well, I was flabbergasted.”

“He’s a good man,” he said with confidence.

“You obviously favor the match.”

“Hamish will be kind to you and you’ll remain close to us, which pleases me more than I can express.”

“Of course.” She picked up a sea shell and dusted off the sand.

“You do not appear happy about the prospect of marriage.”

“I’m flattered. I merely bear no affection for Hamish.”

“At least you have been acquainted with him for years.” His lips twisted to the side of his mouth. “Your mother and I barely knew each other when we married. Time softened our hearts toward one another. We work hard, find common things to be joyful about, and treat each other with respect. I believe that constitutes love more than some untested declaration of affection. Our love has grown in the events of life every day. I cannot imagine being wed to anyone else. She’s become my best friend.”

Over the years, she’d learned her parents cared for each other. Even so, Papa never spoke so passionately about her mother.

She tossed the sea shell down, and they started toward the inn. “I hope Hamish and I will come to a great friendship in our union.”