“Why not?”
“Well....” She hesitated, groping for a reason. “We have such a beautiful relationship. I don’t think we should ruin it by formalizing it, putting ourselves into a rigid pattern....”
He put on his most soothing expression, trying to reassure her. “But marriage wouldn’t ruin anything—it would only make our love grow and deepen....”
“My...my father wouldn’t allow it.”
“I know I’m not from the same high social class you are. But let me talk to your father, explain how we feel about each other....”
“You don’t understand,” she whispered hoarsely.
“Even if we can’t convince him, we don’t need his permission. You’re old enough.”
She closed her eyes and shook her head frantically. “You don’t understand. You just don’t understand.”
He fought the rising sense of frustration. “I’m
