James waited patiently until Melissa had gotten her drink and resettled down before continuing.   He sipped from his wine as he waited, willing to wait the few moments that it took for her to prepare herself before he spoke to her again.  His eyes never left her, however.<br/><br/>"The reason that I've asked you to come is rather simple.  I have a proposal to make, one that I expect you'll need some time to consider before you make a decision.   Should you accept the proposal, you will become Lady Livingston.  That's with a capital 'L'."   He took a sip of his wine before continuing, setting the glass aside on the counter.   His expression grew more serious and he folded his hands together in front of him.<br/><br/>"As you've probably already begun to figure out, my family is in need of a male heir to carry on the family titles.  Plainly put, I'm asking you to become my wife with the intention of providing said heir. I apologize that there's no more tactful way that I know of to ask you.  Simply put, I'm proposing an arranged marriage between the two of us."