“How trying it must have been for you.” He edged a little closer. “At least here you won’t be subjected to such nonsense. From what I have seen, I am the only gentleman on this godforsaken island suited to a woman of your stature.”
Elizabeth stepped away. “I happen to love this island, Mr. Finch, and it has certainly not been forsaken by God. It is my home and always will be.”
He looked momentarily shocked. “You cannot favorably compare this wilderness to the society of Charleston.”
“I not only hold Key West in higher regard, but I pray I never see another city the rest of my life.”
Finch’s jaw dropped. Clearly he had not anticipated such frankness.
“My future is set,” she said. “My brother and father need me. I shall dedicate my life to their care.”
His lips twitched. “A noble sentiment, but your father and brother might not agree. Your father has confided his deep desire to see you married well.”
Elizabeth spun away. How quickly he’d managed to bring the conversation back to the last topic she wished to address. “I intend to mourn my mother properly.”
“Understandable.”
“Six months of full mourning and another three of half-mourning. I can’t imagine considering the joys of courtship for at least a year.”
“A year?” he choked out. “But that is beyond reason, especially here.”
She faced him so he might see her determination. “I care not for what others think. I have lost my dear mother. On this I will not bend.” She had to fight back the twinge of guilt, for she would indeed bend the rules for the right man.
“Naturally.” He bowed slightly. “Forgive me for presuming otherwise. I can only account it to being dazzled by your beauty.”
Elizabeth gagged on the fine words. More likely he was dazzled by the inheritance she would receive upon marrying. “Sir, I am wearing my everyday gown and took no great care with my toilette.”
He caught her hand and clasped it in both of his. “Your beauty transcends all. It is such that I have thought of you often since leaving Charleston. Your father tells me you are disposed to consider my suit. In fact, he encourages it. If he is willing to dispense with the usual period of mourning, surely you can also.”
After all she’d said, he would still pursue her?
Elizabeth yanked her hand from his grasp, turned from him, and gulped the somewhat cooler night air. “It is not possible.”
“It is possible.” He moved close again. “In fact, your father has already approved my suit. I will grant you the requisite period of mourning, but at the end—”
“No!” She broke from him and backed toward the window that opened into the parlor. “I cannot accept.”
“But your father—”
“My father presumes too much. I made my feelings clear in Charleston. They have not changed.”
Mr. Finch started for her.
She held up her hands. “Please, do not persist or I shall be forced to call for help. My aunt is in the parlor.”
“Your aunt is asleep.”
Startled, Elizabeth turned to see if that was indeed true, and in that moment of inattention, Mr. Finch took her in his arms.
“Elizabeth.” His fetid breath made her recoil. “I adore you. I always have. Please make me the happiest man in Key West and marry me.” His hands gripped her upper arms so tightly that they ached.
Elizabeth fought panic and gathered every ounce of regal courage she had. “Release me, sir. Such behavior is not worthy of a gentleman.”
He did not let go. “A gentleman in love will stop at nothing to claim the object of his affection.”
A chill ran through her. Would he dare to do the unspeakable?
She steeled her voice. “When the time of mourning has passed, I will only consider a Christian man with impeccable morals.”
“You will need to search long and far to find such a man,” he said. “This world does not reward the sort of perfection you demand.”
“Rourke O’Malley is just such a man.” Never had Elizabeth been so certain.
Finch laughed as he released her. “O’Malley? He’s been charged with theft and conspiring to wreck the Victory.”
Elizabeth reeled backward, landing with a thud against an open shutter. “Impossible.”
“Not only possible but true. Statements from key witnesses have been filed, and Mr. Buetsch has pressed charges.”
She wanted to slap the smirk from his lips. “It’s a lie. The evidence will prove it.”
“On the contrary. The evidence is irrefutable. I fear, Miss Benjamin, your model of perfection will soon be tarnished beyond repair. Perhaps then you will recognize the value of a true gentleman.”
Elizabeth raised a shaking hand to her throat. “Leave me.”