The carriage hit a small bump in the road, but Cole did not even notice. He was completely shocked.
Cole blinked, completely surprised by her acceptance. He leaned forward again, staring at her as if she had suddenly grown a second head.
"You are willing?" Cole asked, entirely unable to hide his sheer disbelief.
Delaney let out a soft, sad sigh. She slumped her shoulders forward just a fraction, playing the role of the broken girl perfectly.
She replied, "I am already off the marriage market, Uncle. I am twenty and seven years old, and I have absolutely no dowry. No decent gentleman would ever want to marry me. I have spent the last three years running, and I am entirely tired of being poor."
She looked down at her simple, dark dress.
"Lord Hawksley is a wealthy man," Delaney continued, forcing herself to say the vile words. "If he is still willing to have me after I ran away, I might as well just agree. It is better than working as a servant for the rest of my life."
