‘It’s a little difficult to explain. I suppose I’d grown tired of feeling dishonourable. Tired of being disappointed in myself if that makes any sense. I love you, Susannah. I needed to feel worthy of you, even believing you could never be mine.’
‘What? Worthy of me who had a child out of wedlock at barely sixteen–’
‘Yes! Still. Worthy of you and of your daughter.’ He crossed himself. ‘And I thank God for you both.’
StillHow could I not weep a little? He held me close, stroking my back. ‘But I do understand how you drew them all, my Raphael.’ He looked a touch wary. ‘I have seen how you charm women, how you smile at them. I’ve watched you do it.’ A slight frown appeared between his brows, again. ‘I saw, too, it wasn’t artifice. You talk to women as equals. You are truly interested in wh
