In the next moment, however, they had crested the hill, and there, a stunning surprise in shades ranging from deep blue to pale green, was the sea, quietly muttering an ancient promise to the shore. Although Bliss had seen the ocean a million times, having grown up in a lighthouse, she had never lost the feeling of wondrous awe it inspired in her.

She drew in a deep breath of frigid salt air and smiled contentedly.

It was immediately apparent that the sea had no such soothing affect on Jamie. He scowled at her and encouraged the horses to travel a bit faster now that the road was level.

Disappointed in Jamie’s blunt lack of appreciation for a truly splendid sight, Bliss returned his glower tit for tat.

He struggled to look sober and solemn but finally laughed. “That,” he said, “is a hate-filled mug if I’ve ever seen one.”

Bliss was relieved at the chance to strike up a conversation—any kind of conversation. “I’ve never hated anyone in all my life,” she said magnanimously. “Not even Alexander, though I expect I’ll come to truly despise him once we’re wedded.”

The mirth dancing in Jamie’s eyes was instantly gone. Somehow, it comforted Bliss to know that he didn’t like being reminded of her impending marriage to the man her father had chosen.

Jamie fixed his gaze straight ahead, but his jawline was tight. “What kind of no-gooder is your father, anyway?” he demanded after several moments had passed.

Bliss knew a sensation of gentle triumph, though she carefully hid the fact from Jamie. “Papa’s not a bad man, all things considered,” she replied with a tender and rather theatrical sigh. “He’s just tired of having me underfoot all the time, that’s all. And then, of course, there’s the money.”

She had Mr. McKenna’s full attention, at long last. “Money?” he asked. “What money?”

Bliss gazed out at the sea. Above the waves, a foggy mist shifted eerily in the icy daylight. “Alexander—Mr. Zate—plans to settle a rather large sum on my father after the wedding.”

The silence from the man beside her was ominous. When Bliss dared glance at Jamie, she saw that his face had hardened with rage, and she knew a certain satisfaction. Perhaps she had finally made him understand her plight.

“He’s sellin’ you, then,” he said, in a deceptively soft voice, after several moments had passed.

Bliss bit her lower lip, hesitating for what she hoped was exactly the right length of time. Then she willed her eyes to brim with tears and answered in a small, quavering voice, “Yes.”

Even though the horses were clearly doing the very best they could, Jamie brought the reins down hard on their backs, urging them to an even faster pace. It was a measure of his annoyance. “Blighter,” he muttered.

Bliss sniffled delicately and dabbed at her eyes.

“How do you do that?” Jamie asked, out of the blue, and Bliss was so surprised that she fell to stammering.