Excerpt of Courting Constance by Teryl Cartwright

How sweet you are,” she said irrepressibly. “You have always looked out for my best interests.”
Sir Geoffrey bowed. “I am so very pleased to do so. For I see that you have changed and so much for the better.”
She looked at him puzzled, curiously waiting for his next words.
He raised an eyebrow and glibly explained, motioning to the cup he had returned to her. “See, you now accept what I have to offer, no matter how humble.”
Constance considered him cautiously, reassessing the unexpected stranger before her. This man didn’t seem like the same one who had treasured her and once thought nothing good enough for her. At one time, he would never have insisted she drink the nasty water that she wanted to gag upon now. He would have taken it for her.
He nodded and continued, as if amused by some secret joke. “And you have become quite devout and pious as well, I see.”
She wasn’t sure what he meant, but she wasn’t afraid of him.
“Sir? You have the advantage of me because I do not understand your splendid and unexpected compliments.”
His gray eyes sparkled and she could swear he was enjoying their battle, though she didn’t see how. She almost felt annoyed, but reminded herself that he couldn’t play with her emotions. She firmly commanded them and would one day command his too.
“Modest now too,” he answered softly with a touch of humor. “I remember how much you once loved my gift and yet you now refrain from wearing such a gaudy trinket in the very place that it would fit the best. Isn’t it scriptural for a woman to refrain from wearing pearls and gold?”
Constance couldn’t help fighting back. “Judge not, lest ye be judged,” she retorted.
“I am proven right,” he instantly replied. “You have been studying the Bible.”
She had to try something different for he was definitely trying to provoke her. He seemed immune to her smiles and charm. Why not play the girl he thought he wanted then?
“My dear sir.” She curtsied and then sighed. “I am honored you would find virtues in me that are so fine and yet unmerited.”
“I have been known to have that fault,” he said sarcastically, showing her for a moment the anger that still burned within him.