“I do not intend any other man, save you, to see me in a state of undress.”
Was that not as good as a marriage proposal? Was I not hinting as hard as I could that I wanted to marry him, despite our difference in social standing?
“Many men would be sorry to hear you say that.” Willie Kemp made a gallant attempt at a compliment but again sidestepped the main question. Would that man never commit himself to me?
I completed my dressing with my first feeling of humiliation that day. “I am glad that you have finally arrived, Mr. Kemp.” It was difficult to regain my dignity only seconds after offering him everything that I had, but I tried my best. “For there is a strange man lurking around this cottage.”
“Is there?” Mr. Kemp raised his eyebrows. He seemed more comfortable speaking with a ful
