He raised his eyebrows. ‘Quite a speech.’ He got up and walked over to the French windows and stood looking through the mosquito screen.
It had turned dark outside and Evie could smell the cloying scent of flowers. Douglas stood there for several minutes with his back towards her, gazing into the starlit garden.
Just as she was about to break the tension, he turned back to face her, and said, ‘Forgive me for putting it this way, but as far as I’m concerned, this is a business transaction. You appear to be a strong and healthy woman and you certainly have plenty of courage, so yes, my offer still stands. For my part, I will provide you with a home, a generous allowance, anything material you need. For your part, I will expect you to run this household and, assuming my daughter takes to yo
