Staring down at her, Ebenezer was taken aback by her statement. It was not one he would have expected her to state! Mouth slightly agape at he recovered from his confusion, he stared into the depths of her incredibly bright blue eyes to become slightly lost in them. It did nothing for his sense of guilt for blackmailing Mirabella to have her now so clearly infer that she not only accepted the fate he had forced upon her but was willing to see it through in every detail. He felt horrified at his own actions and intensely charmed by hers.

"Mirabella," he uttered softly, "I... You do not have to... do this, if you do not wish. I am well aware that what I have done to you is... not something a good Christian man should do, even though it solves many problems for us both. Enoch can no longer harm you, and I swear that I am not a man to raise his fists to any woman save in defense of my own life. I needed a bride to help... become who I need to be at this time. I know that makes no sense now, and I pray you forgive me for both that and for hoping you need never know the truth behind it all." Ebenezer left it unsaid that other problems had arisen from his hasty solution, but that was the way of the world anyway. "You have bound yourself to me. But I know you do not love me, and you should not have to sacrifice your maidenhead to a man who is not in your heart! Especially so soon after Enoch attempted to take you in so vile a manner. Look, you! I can take my pen knife and cut the heel of my palm so we might smear the sheets with blood! That will convince any who might pass by and see our laundry drying that the deed was done!"

"Only..." Suddenly, Ebenezer's throat felt dry. He had to lick his own lips as he began to recall how hard some temptations were to resist. Mirabella curled close against him where he sat, he could feel both her softness and her warmth through his clothing. It was a sensation that promised everything. And that she was a virgin, untested and ignorant, meant she was his for the molding! Mirabella may not love him, true. Had that stopped him at any other point in his time away? The only difference now was that she was his wife! 

He started again. "Mirabella, I would have you take your own will in this," Ebenezer carefully instructed despite the heated beating of his own heart. "If it... If it is in your will to have a proper wedding night... then but kiss me now."