James inclined his head politely in response to Melissa's apology, waiting until she seemed ready to listen again before continuing.  "How you were found was rather simple, but how you were selected was not."  He retrieved his wine glass and took another sip before continuing.  "Let's just say that you are the best qualified and leave it at that."<br/><br/>His gaze remained on her, his eyes both inscrutable and patient.  "But in the end,the decision to pursue you was entirely mine."  He nodded in the direction of a nearby small table with a lamp on it.   "You'll find the entire agreement, written in legalese, next to the lap.  It says in many pages what I've outlined in about two sentences.  It is a binding marriage, to which you will become a full member of the family.  The arrangement is also permanent, as in until death."<br/><br/>He took another sip of wine then set the glass down again.  "Should you choose to accept, you become Lady Melissa Livingston until the day you die.  You are my wife and mine alone.  Our first two male children will inherit my brother's title and mine."  He gestured to the table then folded his hands again.  "Of course, I expect you'll need some time to think it over.  I do, however, expect you to remain as my guest until you make your decision."