He looked surprised. "I gave my word as a gentleman," he said promptly. It was not the most accurate answer, but the most honest one that came into his head.
"But why--"
Clifford was not in the mood to argue with her. Not when she was still so pale. He debated telling her the truth, but quashed that impulse instantly. She would never believe his accusations against Gerald. Not until she got to know her half-brother and himself better, and heard other opinions of respectable people as to the true character of both of them.
So he uttered the first thing he could think of which would put an end to their wrangling. "If you care about your family honor, you will marry me."
She felt her cheeks flush. "I would do anything to protect my family's good name. But I have other choices than to marry you. I'm a wealthy woman. I can reimburse all of the money which Gerald took from the game, if only you will give me some time to settle matters with my solicitors. Or be willing to discuss other options."
Clifford stared at her, and found himself fascinated by her unconventional beauty and manner. She was spirited and charming, and above all, intelligent and brave. What could he do to win such a woman, to get her to fall in love with him?
Fall in love with him? The thought sobered him at once, he who had never believed he would ever be able to find a love as special as that which his parents had shared.
As a young man he had dreamed of such a love. The past seven years or so had hardened him into a cynic, as a never-ending parade of women had tried to marry him for his body, his wealth, but never his mind and personality.
Perhaps that was the key? He should be honest with her, tell her what he really thought, and let her decide for herself if he was a man she could love? She certainly did not seem to be throwing herself at him. Perhaps that was why he found her so alluring? Because she was the only woman he had ever met who had not tried to seduce him in one way or another.
He realized he was staring at Vanessa, and would have to frame a sensible reply. "And I have told you, I'm not interested in your money personally. It would however be a fine fortune to leave to our children, both boys and girls, equally divided amongst how ever many we will be blessed enough to have."
At her astonished look, he warmed to his theme, hoping to convince her of the wisdom of his argument. "I have never believed in giving everything to the eldest, who has won all just by a trick of birth. It is heartless abandoning the others to shift for themselves, and encourages the younger children to be envious of the one who gets the whole of an estate by a mere matter of chance rather than merit.
"Nor do I approve of entailing estates away from girls, or dowries, which are little more than attempts to bargain the hapless girl child away for the right price. Henry and I were loved by our parents, treated equally. I want that for our children as well.
"I want a wife who is intelligent, not vain and empty-headed. Someone who thinks of others more than her gowns and toilette. I think you are that woman, Vanessa. You possess all those qualities and more. And since you are so unconventional, and your brother has compromised your reputation, I fear many more conservative and traditional men will not consider you a suitable partner in life."
She sighed, acknowledging inwardly the truth of his words.
He rubbed his hands together, and deciding the room was cooling off now that the pale autumnal sun was going down, he went over to the hearth to build up the fire.
"I know you think you have reason to be suspicious of me. Gerald has never spoken well of me in his life, I'm sure. All I'm asking is that you not fight me on this. Just accept the fact that I like and admire you and am only trying to help.
"We have time to get to know each other, until the end of the month. If you decide prior to that time that you really cannot abide me, we will make other arrangements for you. But I shall not permit you to reside with Gerald any longer.
"I am sorry to be so blunt, but you asked for the truth. I feel most strongly that he has not protected your interests as a good brother should. You should not be left in the hands of someone who has behaved so irresponsibly with regard to your welfare and reputation."
"I am sure my lawyers can make arrangements for me. You need not trouble yourself. Or I can go to my Aunt Stephens--"
Clifford shook his head, and explained his position to her as if to a small child. "Surely you cannot be so naïve. I do need to trouble myself, as you put it. Trouble is not the word I would use, but never mind that for now.
"Firstly, I wish to take a personal interest in what happens to you because I am concerned for your well being generally. Moreover, I do not wish people to say I cast you off, or that you jilted me, both of which would also damage your reputation."