That she didn’t believe him.

Francesca met Charles’s earnest gaze. “Tell him… that I need three days-seventy-two hours from this afternoon-to consider his proposal. Given the suddeness and… unexpected nature of his offer, I must think things over carefully. Three afternoons from now, I’ll say yes or no.”

Charles’s brows had risen; by the time she’d finished speaking he was nodding. “An excellent notion. You may reassure yourself in your own mind, then give him-” Charles grimaced. “Give me, I suspect, your answer.”

“Indeed.” Francesca stood, determination rising within her. “I will discover what answer I’m comfortable with-and then he may have it.”

It was nearly noon the next day when Gyles once again rode up the Rawlings Hall drive. Shown into the study, he saw Charles rounding the desk, his hand outstretched and a smile on his face. Not that he’d expected anything else. Shaking hands, he consented to sit.

Resuming his seat, Charles met his gaze. “I’ve spoken to Francesca at some length. She was not averse to your proposal, but she did ask for a period of time-three days-in which to consider her answer.”

Gyles felt his brows rise. The request was eminently reasonable; what surprised him was that she’d made it.

Charles was regarding him with concern, unable to read his expression. “Is that a problem?”

“No.” Gyles considered, then refocused on Charles. “While I wish to settle this matter expeditiously, Miss Rawlings’s request is impossible to deny. Marriage is, after all, a serious business-a point I wished to emphasize.”

“Indeed. Francesca is not a flighty girl-her feet are planted firmly on the ground. She engaged to give a simple yes or no on the third afternoon from yesterday.”

“Two days from today.” Gyles nodded and stood. “Very well. I’ll remain in the area and will call again on the afternoon of the agreed day.”