“My aunt introduced us. We were both desperately nervous. Neither of us could speak to the other. I suppose it was love from that first moment.”

Zeke studied her over his wineglass. “Your beauty grows more pronounced when you speak of your late husband. He was a lucky man.”

“Thank you,” she murmured, feeling the sincerity of his words. “You are kind to say that. We were married four months later. Wesley encouraged me to read, suggested titles and never complained when dinner was late because I had forgotten to start it. After he was gone, my father suggested I consider teaching as a way to share all I’d learned. And so I came here.”

“It’s Titanville’s gain.”

She laughed. “I hope so. Do you read much, Zeke?”

Humor sparkled in his brown eyes. “You spoke my name.”

“Oh, please do not pretend that has any significance.”

“It does to me. I shall lie awake tonight and relive this moment until dawn.”

“Then I feel sorry for you and will say you are a very foolish man. Which I know not to be true. Gamblers must have a level of intelligence to be successful.”

“You know of my gambling?”

“I know many things.”

“You’ve been talking about me.”

“I have been listening,” she told him. “There is a difference. The ladies in town find you a favorite topic of conversation. I have been warned about you.”

He leaned close. “Excellent. Then we come to battle as equals, my dear Alethea. A happy circumstance for us both.”

Chapter Three

“Happy for you, perhaps,” Alethea said coolly. “But I am not the type of woman to be seduced by your charm and wit, Mr. Titan.”

Zeke chuckled. “I can’t decide which is more delightful. Your admission that I have charm and wit, or the proof that you are annoyed.”

“You want me angry?”

“I cannot imagine you in a state that does not please me.”

“How wonderful to know my deathbed would bring you joy.”