The Precipitate Proposal

"I need to confide something in you."

Fraya's eyes instantly reconnected with Evandar's, intrigued by what he could possibly have to say.

Evandar felt a desperation to admit his feelings before inhibition kicked in. "I hardly slept last night. I was consumed with thoughts of you and how I could best express my intentions. But now that you're here in front of me, my mind's gone blank, so I'm just going to have to speak from my heart." He paused and took a deep breath. "Almost from the moment we were reacquainted in April, I've harboured feelings for you. However, I've held off speaking to you about it for several reasons. Firstly, I wasn't sure if you even liked me in that way, secondly, even if you did, your status in society would probably not support it, and thirdly, I have no financial security to offer you. But then I ran into your friend, Miss Felice, yesterday and my conversation with her made me think that maybe you do have an interest in me? So I'm hoping that you'll consider overlooking the other potential barriers and...well..." He kept looking at her, awaiting some sort of acknowledgement or response but he got none so he impulsively continued. "I can't seem to find the right words to accurately convey what I really want to say but what I can tell you is that my feelings are bordering on love and so I'm hoping that you'll consent to be my wife." The words tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop them.

Fraya stared back at him, her brow furrowing in shock and disbelief. "Your wife? You can't possibly be serious?! We hardly even know each other?! And even with the little that we do know, there doesn't seem to be a lot we have in common. I mean, it was only just a couple of nights ago you told me straight to my face that you think my entire value system is screwed up and yet now you want to marry me? It doesn't make sense. How can you want to commit yourself to me when my values are apparently so different to your own?"

"I'm sorry for the way I spoke to you the other night. I wasn't thinking straight. I was frustrated and angry and I took it out on you when I shouldn't have."

"Thank you for your apology but that doesn't really answer my question. She paused briefly to collect her thoughts. And what exactly did you mean when you said your feelings are bordering on love? Either you love me or you don't. And if you're not sure, why do you want me to be your wife?"

"What I meant was that our situation is complicated but it still hasn't stopped me from having strong feelings for you." He sighed. "I only wish things could be as clear cut and black and white as you make them out to be..."

SandraD