Chapter 32

Matthew froze as the words struck him like a bolt from the blue. It took more than several seconds for him to find his voice.

"Sir, please don't get me wrong, but there's nothing between me and Maggie."

"Stuff and nonsense. Maggie loves you. She has loved you since the moment she met you. Don't say you haven't known it."

Goddard's last sentence rendered him mute. He'd be lying if he said the idea never occurred to him, but he never really thought about it. In fact, he wouldn't dream of such a thing. Goddard had been so kind to allow Marguerite to befriend him, but he wouldn't dare to raise his eyes too high.

"I... I don't deserve her."

"Quite the opposite. I can't think of a better candidate. You are honest and loyal, and I know you love her too. Otherwise, why'd you never take a lover, with the pretty ladies just around the corner?"

Again he couldn't seem to find an appropriate answer. He'd never expected that his employer would have taken note of his celibacy. With the finest houses