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lest the stallion snap at her, but was surprised when his high-strung horse not only allowed her to caress his ears but bumped his nose into her, searching her person for treats. Plum laughed, a low throaty laugh that Harry found utterly sensual and erotic, a sound that seemed to stroke his skin, leaving him harder than ever, unable to keep from visualizing her lying in his bed, surrounded by all that glossy black hair, laughing that sultry laugh.
    â€œHe likes you,” Harry said as he dragged his mind back to the present.
    â€œHe probably knows how fond I am of horses. He’s very handsome. What’s his name?”
    â€œThor. Do you ride?”
    A wistful look flickered through her eyes as she gave Thor one last pat, then gently pushed his head away. “I love to ride, but haven’t had the chance to in a long time.”
    A very impoverished baronet’s daughter, Harry amended. Still, possession of a fortune was not one of the qualifications for his wife. Thus far, Plum had exceeded every expectation he had—there was just the one remaining. “Er…how do you feel about children?”
    â€œOh, I love them,” she said, her eyes lighting up, their midnight depths soft and compelling.
    Harry could not help but believe her, as the truth shone like sunlight on a still pond within her dark eyes. He allowed himself a silent sigh of relief as he moved uncomfortably in the saddle, then waved toward Temple. “Just so. I see no reason that you will not suit. I must…er…return home. Temple will take down your particulars. Have you an objection to marrying the day following tomorrow?”
    Plum didn’t even bat an eyelash. Harry wanted to smile, but knew in his present uncomfortable state, it would be likely to come out a pained grimace. There are few things that became a bridegroom less than grimacing at his bride-to-be.
    â€œNone, except I have not interviewed you, sir.”
    He blinked in surprise. She wanted to interview him? None of the other women had. How delightfully refreshing of her! He had the sudden warm satisfaction of knowing that he would not easily be able to second-guess Plum. “Ah. Yes. Of course. You wish to know about me.”
    â€œYes, sir, I do,” she answered and lifted her chin a little higher.
    He liked that chin a great deal. He applauded her high spirits, and began to think with pleasure upon his future with her as he quickly rattled off the important particulars about himself. “My name is Harry…Haversham. I live here in Raving, out toward the north spit. Do you know it?”
    She shook her head.
    â€œGood. That is…er…it’s of no account. I’m forty-five years of age…” He paused, narrowing his eyes as he looked carefully at her face. “If you will not be offended by me asking, how old are you?”
    â€œI…I…” Plum looked nonplussed for a moment, then that adorable chin rose again. “I’m forty, sir.”
    He did smile then, a pleased smile, a happy smile. Really, she was perfect for the position. Intelligent, liked children, wasn’t too young and silly, and heaven knew he desired her in a more fundamental manner. Every time she lifted her chin, he wanted to kiss her. “Excellent. As I said, I’m forty-five and in reasonably good health, possess means that leave me comfortable, and don’t have any excessive vices that I’m aware of. Do you have any questions? No? Very well. I shall leave Temple to take down your information, and will obtain a special license tomorrow so that we may be married the following day.” He touched his riding crop to his hat in salute, and was about to ride away when it suddenly occurred to him to ask a final question. “Er…what village are you from?”
    Plum looked a bit stunned around the eyes, but other than a momentary pause, gave him no indication that he had just rushed her through a proposal.