“Reggie and I met in school, though he was a few years ahead of me. Then off he went to Canton with the East India company, and I’ve only recently renewed our friendship.”
“I only got back a year ago.”
“I found him thanks to my inquiries at the company office after you entered my life.” He smiled as if her appearance hadn’t disrupted every aspect of his life, and she lost herself in a rush of wishful feelings. What if they had met as equals, as suitor and maiden, at one thetonballs? What if she didn’t have to cry off in two weeks’ time? What if…
“Now, don’t be shy,” he said, oblivious to her thoughts. “Talk in Chinese as long as you like. Mother and I will be content to listen. Maybe we can learn something, eh?”
“Max!” his mother admonished, but he would not allow her to diminish his gift.
“Nonsense, Mama. Yihui has had to listen to us speak in English without stop. The least we can do is enjoy a bit of her beautiful language.”
“But I don’t understand a word of it!” his mother exclaimed.
“Then perhaps we could learn.”
Max was firm with his mother. And Yihui was sure to switch to English to include Max, his mother, and Emmaline when she joined them at dinner. But even when the talk was in English, the discussion often centered on China. Mr. Kerr had lived for a short time in Canton and knew a great deal about the city, but even he had questions about life inside the Middle Kingdom. Given his interest and Max’s encouragement, Yihui had the most enjoyable evening of her entire life.
Her thoughts and opinions were respected. The stories from Mr. Kerr were entertaining. And she listened to thoughtful comments on the differences between their two countries. For the first time, she saw a place for herself not just as a foreigner selling Chinese medicines, but as a woman who had something to share with the world. And as a person who was learning about a new way of life—the English way of doing things.
Or perhaps it was Max’s way of doing things, because in every moment she felt his presence. He was the one who had arranged this dinner. He was the one who kept his mother from dominating the conversation to her narrow area of interest. And he was the one who pressed for more details, more thought, more exposure to the way she’d once lived.
Best of all, he was genuinely fascinated. She could see it in the sparkle of his eyes and the laughter that so often filled the room. He saw her and she, in turn, saw a place for him in her life.
They couldn’t marry. She knew that. But they could be something together. Friends, of course. Temporary support for her business, definitely. But she wanted more. For tonight, at least, she wanted a great deal more.
Eventually, Mr. Kerr had to take his leave. Emmaline and the duchess departed for the theater, escorted by someone too exalted for Yihui to meet. And Max did her the favor of offering to escort her home.
She agreed, of course, and he helped her onto Blue all while looking around for Olivia. “Where is that girl? I can’t have her walking through London in the dark—”
“I sent her back earlier,” Yihui said. “She’s been working very hard for me and deserved an early night back in her own bed at the Rose Garden.”
He frowned. “I thought she had her own room at the apothecary.”
“Not yet. The furniture has not all arrived. Soon though.” She smiled at him. “Thanks to your loan, everything is coming together.”
“And the tutor? Has he been difficult?”
Yihui smiled. “He is perfect. He was excited to teach Millie arithmetic.” The man was young and too hungry to object to teaching a Chinese foreigner and a maid. “Thank you for letting Millie come every day to help.” The girl still lived in the ducal home, but came at first light to work for Yihui and often stayed till dark.
“Millie’s learning arithmetic?” She heard surprise in his voice.
“She wants to master bookkeeping. I already taught her how to use an abacas. She is very smart and wasted as a maid, I think.”
“I think you are right.” He shook his head. “How many other bright people surround me but are lost for lack of opportunity?”
She glanced at him. “Do you think to provide teachers for all your servants?”
“I believe so. There are smart children throughout our estate. We have been remiss in not educating them before now.” Then he sighed. “In truth, my father has been remiss in a great many things. I have spent day and night in shock at what he and I have allowed.”
“You didn’t know.”
“I should have.”
She heard the weight of disgust in his voice. Here was something of his character that she was only now beginning to appreciate. He felt a personal responsibility for the people who worked his lands and served his meals. Whereas her father cared only for money and the status he gained from serving elevated clients, Max tried to care for those around him.
She hadn’t realized until now, however, how that responsibility weighed upon him. Especially when he felt he had failed them.
“You are an honorable man,” she said. “Whatever is wrong was your father’s failure.”
