Love Upon the Hudson Bay

Chapter Seven

Theodosia Evelynne Foster

I couldn't breathe. I did not want to give Edmund the answer he dreamed of, because I knew deep in my heart that he wasn't the man for me. But, I wasn't getting any younger, and I held the Governor's favor to run the Inn, but that could quickly disappear. But with a husband, comes a home, economic stability, and the chance to grow love; eventually.

Edmund stared and stared, I wish he would look away. I needed a moment to think away from his baleful eyes.  

"You really know how to keep a man in suspense 'Dosia" he smirked.

"Edmund, I am flattered." I tried. 

"Wait- think on it, don't say 'no' immediately" he pleaded taking a seat and shoving a pastry in his mouth, obviously distressed from my lack of acceptance. 

"Edmund, this is not me rejecting your proposal. It is me asking for some time" I sighed. 

"But, yo-" he began.

"Please let me finish" I begged. Immediately he closed his eyes, but he remained silent. 

"Edmund, I am not rejecting your proposal for marriage. It just took me aback. I mean, you know my family's entire history, knowing so much about me, well, it's frightening. I just feel so exposed. I agree that marrying you is in my best interest, but let me talk to Esther, get my financials ordered and then I will readdress it. All I ask is for a week to sort my head." I remarked, reaching my hand to his.

"And you'll have it" he whispered kissing my hand. 

I spring to the floor as if his kiss burned me.

"Theodosia?" he raised an eyebrow.

"The Inn. I have been gone for a while" I nodded as I began to put on my coat. 

"My love, when we are married, you're going to learn that sometimes you need to slow down." Edmund affronted bringing his pasty tray to the door with him. 

"Alas, I am not married" I smiled.

"Yet" he raised the tray in suggestion.

I straightened, it seems like he knew my weakness, and resistance was difficult. Mind the fact, that these pastries were of great quality and were worth nearly a month's rent. Edmund seemed to be of great wealth. I then looked around his home, pure silver trinkets and pocketwatches lay on the drawing table. Quilted furniture. Edmund was paid well from the HBC.

"I can take care of you. You could sell the Inn and never have to work another day in your life." he examined my eyes as they danced across the room. Sighing I tried to focus on my continued escape.  

"Not until I'm a married woman" I reasoned. 

"You are a stubborn lass, may I accompany you to the Inn. I want to make sure you make it back safely" he resigned placing the tray down. 

"At any other time, yes. But today, I want to have a moment free to my own thoughts" I requested. 

My heart warmed at his actions and a blush rose to grace my cheeks. 

"Please keep the being below this coat safe. I have many plans with her." he smiled while placing a soft kiss on my forehead and unlocked to door behind me.

"Be safe, my love. I will see you tomorrow" he noted as I braced the snow.

Quickly I marched out of his home, and I would use the long walk home to sort through the millions of thoughts that clouded my head. 

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