“I don’t believe love is ever a burden.” She paused, adding, “And it is necessary for me. When I marry, it will only be for love.” James’s face was inscrutable. “And you don’t love me, of course.” Heat flooded her cheeks. She could summon no reply. She hadn’t anticipated him being so blunt. “However, you did admit to liking me very much,” he said. “Was that true?” “Yes.” She did like him. Rather too much, all things considered. He wasn’t at all right for her, no matter that he was the only gentleman of her acquaintance to make her heart beat so swiftly. “A strong liking might grow into love,
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