Nate had cross-examined many witnesses in his legal career, some as beautiful as she, but most not. Wearing their finest, looking their best hoping that mere appearances and not their words would sway a jury. Thus, he was able to catch the fleeting glance away, that obvious pause, physical guestures at complete odds with what was said. She was lying.

The fish pye was good, Nate could not offhand recall when he had had better. Yet, in that moment his dinner companion decided that supper no longer held her sway and she rose from the table. Nate rose too. From across the tablecloth, she appeared to need a man to honour, cherish, and adore her. Hmm The words entirely formal. A desire to rapidly formalise their marriage mere partnership.
 
“I took the liberty, Miss.” Nate reached into the inside pocket of his coat and produced a vertically folded wad of paper tied tightly together with red ribbon. Actually, he was glad to be shod of it because of how it jabbed him in the ribs when he sat down. The enchanting aroma of orange blossom and honey reached his senses. He looked at the stunning creature before him and his composure began to wavier, his cheeks reddening. If he was fast enough, he could seek refuge behind the packet “I am certain you shall want to review it for completeness, before signing. I left particulars of the location and-"

The scent of citrus oils, soap, and her own musk was heady; her beauty so close to him, was intoxicating; the stain of his own trousers considerable. Christ, he felt drunk. Could she see all this? His words suddenly quieted to a whisper as his thoughts just wandering off to luxuriate in her presence. The rest of it did not seem important to say. If she needed love in that moment, he would give it to her in spades. He was liable to give her anything. What felt like a lifetime passed before he regathered his wits and remembered that he needed to finish talking.

“umm time umm yes time; I left them blank, as I did not know your religious leanings.”