"Oh, understood. Please save Bennett's portion. He's not hungry now. He'll eat later," Claudia instructed.

Marcia, sensing Bennett's foul mood earlier, complied without question. After dividing the meal, she retreated to the kitchen.

Dinner finished, Claudia gazed out the French window at the continuing rain, then headed upstairs to her room.

Around ten in the evening, after her shower and just before bed, she thought of Bennett again.

After some hesitation, she knocked on his bedroom door.

Ten seconds later, a freshly showered Bennett, in a bathrobe, opened the door, one hand on the knob, the other rubbing his temples.

“What is it?"

Slightly embarrassed, Claudia inquired, “Are you feeling sober now?" He nodded, recalling something.

“I apologize for getting drunk. I was in a bad mood."

Waving her hand dismissively, Claudia said, "It's fine. After me offending you twice after getting drunk, it's only fair you do the same for once."

His laughter followed her statement. "Miss Marshall, how generous of you!"

Feeling a bit guilty, Claudia smiled and asked, "Hungry?"

“A bit," he replied. "You should sleep now. I won't bother you. I'LL just make something simple for myself."

Recognizing that he had misconstrued her, Claudia stated, "I've requested Marcia to set aside some food for you. It's in the kitchen. You can head downstairs and retrieve it for your meal."

Bennett glanced her way and said, "Thank you."

“You're welcome."

Claudia couldn't help but recall that she hadn't thanked him for taking her to the hospital in the middle of the night!

Having spoken those words, Claudia was just about ready to head back for some rest.

About to bid him goodnight, she was stopped by his sudden question.

“Miss Marshall, may I ask something that might seem abrupt?"

Blinking in surprise, she agreed, "Sure."

What could the unexpected question from Bennett possibly be? Predictably, the question Bennett posed was not unexpected at all.

“Do you find me unattractive?"

“How is that possible? How could you not be attractive? Numerous wealthy and noble women wish to be your wife!"