Page 3 of Miss Vincent’s Vow

The shock of receiving such a proposition from a man of good standing propelled her to the door like a rocket. With her fingers curled over the handle, ready to escape, she turned to address Mr Hunt.

“My circumstances may be dire, but I did not come here to be insulted. I would rather go to the poorhouse than be party to anything improper—”

Mr Hunt stood, holding up his palm to her. “Please don’t leave, Miss Vincent. Not until you’ve listened to what I have to say. I am a God-fearing man and assure you I’m not suggesting anything dishonourable.”

Cassandra heard the sincerity in his tone and relented. It could not hurt to hear him out. She released her grip on the door handle, raising her chin a little as she retook her chair.

“Perhaps I have misunderstood you. Please continue.”

Mr Hunt sat and waited until her eyes met his, before he spoke in a firm voice devoid of emotion.

“Miss Vincent, would you consent to be my wife?”

Cassandra stared at the man sitting across the desk from her, struggling to make sense of his words. Was he serious? Had this man whom she barely knew really just asked her to marry him?

“I see I have shocked you with my proposal, but I trust it will not stop you from considering my offer. I believe we can help one another. View it as a business proposition.”

She swallowed hard. To think of marriage as a union of convenience—a mutually beneficial contract—seemed cold, impersonal. Not a joining of two people committing to love and support each other for the rest of their lives. She had longed for marriage and a family, but not like this.

“I have no need of romance,” he continued, “but I desire what you can give me. You’re just the sort of woman I’m looking for in a wife. Religious in character with a sound head on your shoulders, you tell me of the tragedy in your life without falling into a fit of the vapours, and you have the social graces I lack. I need a gentlewoman at my side who knows the niceties of how to behave, who could smooth my path into polite society, talk to other women, and be an influence in my favour. Are you willing to be that lady?”

Cassandra didn’t know what to say. She had prayed to God to rescue her. Was this his answer? Could she marry this stranger, with no pretence of love, to bring security back into her life? To have a chance to have a family of her own? Was it too high a price to pay?

“Your situation is grave,” Mr Hunt said, “or I would not have dared suggest it, but marriage to me would give you a home, and maintain your position as a gentlewoman.”

He was right. She could not easily dismiss such advantages, and this would doubtless be her only chance to marry. Still, that didn’t mean she had to say yes. Marriage was not some temporary arrangement. It was for life.

Was it too great a risk? She could always… What else could she do? Throw herself on the mercy of the new rector? Become a burden to one of her friends? Beg Eugenia to give her the home she had promised, before she had broken off her engagement to Xander? No—she would rather go to the workhouse!

Marriage to Mr Hunt seemed a far pleasanter option—if only she could guarantee he would be kind to her, and faithful.

“If I married you, would you keep your wedding vows?” she blurted out.

Mr Hunt folded his hands in his lap. “I would. Till death us do part. And you, Miss Vincent? If you were to marry me, would you be true to your wedding vows? Because if you would not, I’ll end this conversation now. I will not tolerate disloyalty, especially not from one joined to me in marriage.”

What a strange contradiction the man was. “You offer me a business arrangement and yet you would require me to love you?”

“I would. Love is a choice, not a sentimental feeling.”

His idea of love sounded cold—not the love she’d dreamed of as a girl. But he was an upright man, and surely it must include kindness. Cassandra squashed down any hope for more and made her choice. She could live with kindness.

“Then we are in agreement. Marriage is a commitment to each other. Till death us do part.”

“Yes, a commitment. And will you vow to love, cherish, and obey me, Miss Vincent?”

Peace settled in her heart as she gave him her answer.

“I will.”

Chapter 2

Jethro gave a single nod in acknowledgement of Miss Vincent’s answer. What a sensible woman she was. Such a composed manner. No excess of emotion. Once he had assured her his intentions were honourable, she had weighed up her options like a good businessperson and accepted his proposal as the most favourable alternative.

“It will take me a few days to travel to Bristol and procure a licence for us to wed. I will talk to the curate on my return, but I see no difficulty in arranging for the ceremony to take place on Monday morning. I’m certain Mr Barnes will accommodate us when he understands the urgency of your situation.”

He laced his hands together as they rested on his desk. “I will arrange for your belongings to be brought here before the service, if that is acceptable.”

“Thank you.”