It would occur the following Wednesday and would be hosted by Aslyn’s former guardians, the Duke and Duchess of Hedley. Again, people would come out of curiosity because the couple never entertained. But they were doing so because Mick had asked. Her family was calling in favors. She didn’t want to consider the cost to them or their pride—all so she could have the fairy-tale life they’d envisioned for her. Which made it difficult not to forgive them for tonight’s error in judgment.
“I’ve bought a bit of acreage on the outskirts of London,” Mick said. “I’ll be adding that to your dowry.”
“No.” The word came out succinct and to the point. “I appreciate it, but you’ve given me far too much already. Lessons, allowing me to use your building for my shop, a dowry that is a yearly income, not simply a sum, and now my Season. I can never repay—”
“Family doesn’t repay.”
“He’s stubborn, Fancy,” Aslyn said.
“Yes, well, so am I. For most ladies, a five-thousand-pound dowry would be more than enough. But mine is five-thousand-per-year as long as I draw breath, which I am planning to do a very long time. It’s as we discussed earlier. You can’t continue to entice gentlemen to want me. If they aren’t content with my dowry as is, then they aren’t worth considering. I’d be happier as a spinster managing my shop. Perhaps then you would let me purchase it from you.”
“You know my reason for not putting the building in your name. When you marry, your husband could do anything with it he damned well pleased. Turn it into a bordello. Neither you nor I would have any control over his actions.”
“But if I were to not marry—”
“It would break Mum’s heart, Fancy.”
What of her heart, what of her dreams? What if she found herself falling for a man who possessed no title? Still, she simply nodded.
“I remember when you were born, how she cradled you in her arms, tears in her eyes. I’d never seen her weep before. She was always so strong. From the very beginning she had dreams for you.”
“I know.”
“I’d be dead if not for her.”
She knew that as well, knew not all baby farmers took such loving care of their charges. “I’m not ungrateful, Mick. But, please... don’t add anything else to my dowry.”
“As you wish, but some lord is going to be very fortunate to have you, sweetheart. I intend to make certain he’s worthy of you.”
Glancing out the window, she couldn’t help but feel that her marriage to a noble would be the crowning achievement of all he’d worked toward. Although she knew a good many young ladies would envy her position, she sometimes found herself wishing she had no dowry at all so no doubts would creep in regarding the reasons a man had asked for her hand. If one ever did. She was truly in no rush to take a husband. If she had two or three Seasons, she wouldn’t be disappointed. Her shop sustained her. For now, it was all she really needed.
“I’d like to go see Mum in the morning, let her know how the night went.”
“You won’t mention—”
“No, I’ll not mention how you and the others interfered,” she assured him.
“What’s this?” Aslyn asked.
“I’ll explain later.”
She’d like to be a fly on the wall when Mick did that. She suspected her sister-by-marriage would have a reaction similar to Gillie’s.
“What time would you like the carriage readied?” Mick asked.
“Seven.”
In the dark confines, with only the occasional streetlamp casting light to wash away the shadows, she saw the flash of Mick’s smile. “Most ladies would sleep the morning away after attending a ball.”
“I want to be back early enough to open the shop on time.”
“I think people would understand if it opened later than usual.”
“I’m as serious about my business as you are about yours, Mick. I’ll be unlocking the door at nine.”
When the carriage came to a stop in front of the hotel, Mick leapt out and then handed Aslyn down before reaching back in for Fancy. Once her feet hit the bricked walk, she rose up on her toes to kiss his cheek. “Good night.”
“I’ll see you safely home.”
