“She subtly asked about my intentions toward Alice.”
“Tell me precisely what was said,” Damien demanded.
“She told me, ‘We are deeply grateful for your gracious attention towards Alice. However, we are concerned that her advancing years might cast a shadow upon your esteemed reputation.’”
A smirk unfurled across Damien’s face. He stroked his jaw and gnawed the inside of his cheek, lost in thought. “In essence, she is asking you to scram if you have no intention of marrying her sister.”
“Indeed, it was a polite way of encouraging a proposal.”
Damien suppressed a chuckle, pondering the expression that must have crossed Chloe Verdier’s face as she uttered those words. A parched sensation crept into his throat, compelling him to swallow with difficulty.
“Rest assured, Cormier, you have no further need to seek out Alice Verdier’s company.”
