‘Or a licence obtained. I have now resided in London for well over a month.’
‘Though I’ve heard many need not even pass that test to obtain one.’
‘Hm.’
‘Hm.’
They fell into silence for a moment, and Thorn thought about it,truly.
Thought about marrying this woman he couldn’t even see, but whose voice was delightful, and who was obviously clever and grounded. He had been prepared to marry for less, if only to marry for more financially.
A thousand could work.
He wondered what any of it said about him, and whether he cared. If it was worth the risk. His heritage, himself, even the damned pigs somewhere in Kent.
I feel my last chance is the one I’ve been waiting for.
‘You’d be content marrying a stranger you’ve spoken to for perhaps ten minutes—and I am being generous—tying yourself to a man you don’t know for a lifetime, a man who mere months ago was a lowly blacksmith, with all the education you probably received before you were twelve? A man who will now make his living as a pig farmer, and whose only wealth is a house that for all intents and purposes is derelict?’
‘Your eyes sparkle, and you’ve incredibly rare sharpness and truth. Being shackled to you would signify freedom from my family.’
‘They are that bad?’
‘I suppose as with all things, it is about perspective. However, if you are asking whether my freedom is enough of a price to marry you as it stands, then yes.’ Thorn nodded, accepting, and admittedly curious, but knowing now was not the right time toask pertinent, yet unnecessary questions. ‘Will you strike me if I displease you?’
‘God,never.’
‘Do you want children? I’ve no desire for them, though I understand the tradition would have you passing on the title to your sons yet-to-come.’
‘I intend to save the estate, do my now duty, then pass it along to the next poor sod in whatever twisted line the experts can decipher. I’ve no desire for children, in fact I had none for a wife.’
‘Only a dowry.’
Thorn nodded, feeling the weight of the moment settling on his shoulders.
‘Will you control me, dictate my days?’
‘As long as you do not spend frivolously, or engage in public affairs, I’ll keep my opinions on your occupations to myself. Can you make the same promise?’
‘I can. You won’t regret tying yourself to a woman when you could perhaps still find love, as well as fortune?’
‘I can still find love. This is a business transaction, after all. A contract. We shall remain…’
‘Ourselves.’
‘Indeed.’
‘Very well then.’
‘You’ll marry me?’
‘Yes, I think I would like that.’
‘I’m Thorn, by the way.’
‘Hypatia. Hypatia Quincy.’
What a name.
