“Only because you put her in her place,” the odious man replied. “And quite right, too. Women are too easily influenced by foolish sentiment, which is why they are of little use inbusiness and politics. They simply do not have the head for either one.”
*
Louisa seethed allthe way to her bedroom and barely stopped short of slamming her door behind her. Couldn’t they have waited till she’d gone out of earshot? Did they think she couldn’t hear them?Hysterics?Hardly that.
At least Maxwell had somewhat defended her. As for putting her in her place… well, perhaps she had behaved in a less-than-appropriate fashion, but their guest had irritated her throughout the meal. She might have otherwise endured, but learning of Maxwell’s so-called oversight, and his subsequent refusal to do anything about it, had been the final straw.
Something inside, already overburdened, had finally crumpled.
Flopping down at her dressing-table, she pondered her reflection as she removed her earrings. She thought about summoning Archer to help her prepare for bed but decided against it. Solitude suited her right now. Her bed had already been turned down, and a couple of flickering lanterns kept the deepening shadows at bay. Not that she had any intention of sleeping. She intended to hold Maxwell to his word and discuss the issue, no matter what time he came to bed. She opened the adjoining door and stood on the threshold, inhaling his familiar scent. Given that he was leaving early the next day, she didn’t think he’d linger too long over his port. How long did he say he’d be gone this time? Was it four days? Five? They’d only been back from Knaresborough a week, and he’d spent three days of that ensconced in his study with Finlay.
Since she’d had foreknowledge of his frequent absences, it wouldn’t be fair to complain about them. Besides, somewives, like those with husbands in the military, didn’t see their husbands for months at a time.
But Maxwell wasn’t in the military.
It was hardly unreasonable, then, to expect him to make an effort to accompany her on special occasions, such as family gatherings. He was her husband, after all. Obviously, he didn’t give such things much consideration.
Still riled, she left the adjoining door open as she undressed and prepared for bed. Then she curled up in the chair by her window to watch the end of a less-than-happy day. Tears of frustration threatened more than once, but she blinked them away.
Almost an hour slid by before she heard the familiar sound of Maxwell’s outer door opening and closing. Apprehension shortened her breath as she looked over to the adjoining door. A moment later, he appeared on the threshold, his expression impossible to read in the half-light. At the sight of him, Louisa’s resolve faltered a little. Though their short marriage was not exactly a testimony to a fairytale romance, they had never once fought. They hadn’t even argued. At least, not heatedly.
“I thought you’d be asleep,” he said, frowning as he unfastened his cravat.
Thought? Or hoped?
“I’m too upset to sleep.” Determined to state her case anew, Louisa slid from her chair and moved toward him, raising her chin. “You said we could discuss things later, so I’d like to discuss them.”
By the subsequent look on his face, he wasn’t so keen. “There’s really nothing to discuss, my dear. I apologized for my oversight, and I meant it. The fault is mine entirely, and I don’t blame you for being upset.” A muscle twitched in his jaw. “Your behavior at dinner, however, was totally inappropriate. You embarrassed me.”
“And I regret doing so,” Louisa replied. “However, I don’t like the man at all. He appears to be completely without compassion.”
“Nevertheless, he’s a potential investor. One who could allow me to expand my interests substantially.”
Louisa huffed. “I’m frankly shocked that you’d have anything to do with a man who cares so little for the welfare of his workers.”
Maxwell’s eyes narrowed. “If his lack of principles bothers you, my dear, I suggest you take a good look at your own.”
She gasped. “I beg your pardon?”
He pulled his cravat free. “There are still children as young as ten hauling buckets of coal from the depths of the earth, Louisa. Perhaps you should consider that the next time you warm yourself by the fire. And, while you’re at it, be sure not to purchase any more wool, cotton or linen unless you can say, with certainty, that the millworkers are well-treated and being paid a decent wage.” He sighed. “Doing business with men like Ashbridge offers opportunities to point out their failings, to suggest alternate methods and demonstrate how things might be improved for both master and worker. Changes are taking place, but there are more that need to be made, and there are those among us intent on making them. They aren’t going to happen overnight, however, or next week, or probably even next year. For now, whether we like it or not, it is the way of things. I suggest, instead, you consider what would become of these families if they had no work at all.”
“It is not much of a choice, though, is it? To risk death from making a living or to die from starvation.”
“No, it isn’t, and Ashbridge should not have breached the subject as he did. But your reaction to it was still inappropriate. As my wife, I expected better from you.”
Louisa gave him a scathing look. “Well, since we’re speaking of expectations, may I point out that, as my husband, I expect you to be at my side when our mutual attendance is required at important family events. Uncle Isaac’s party is such an event, Maxwell. I don’t want to be there without you. Please, you must reschedule!”
“I would if I could,” he replied. “But I simply can’t.”
She folded her arms. “You absolutely have to be in Glasgow.”
“Yes, I absolutely do.” He tossed his cravat aside and undid his collar. “It’s a very important gathering.”
“More important than me?” Too late, Louisa’s merciless memory hurled her back to a night when Sybella Chessington had uttered those very same words.
Maxwell’s subsequent laughter held no mirth. “I’m not even going to dignify that ridiculous question with an answer.”
“Then perhaps you should try to see things from my point of view. It’s been a week since we got back from Knaresborough and, not including tonight, we’ve had dinner together twice in that time.” She sighed. “Even when you’re at home, you spend more time with Finlay than you do with me. You obviously prefer his company to mine.”
