Rhys’s brow cinched.
“You’ve never what?”
“Nothing, it’s just… I never allowed myself to, well… I don’t daydream about silly things like that.”
“Like love?”
She laughed again, unable to control it.
“No, certainly not that.”
“What’s amusing about love?”
“Nothing, it’s just… Well, to be perfectly honest, it’s ridiculous. The concept of love.”
“Is it?”
“Very much so. I’ve never met anyone whose life was made better by the idea of love. In fact, it is the very problem in most cases. Love for your spouse is expected, but to what end? Many marriages are contracts having little to do with emotion. But then, the ones who do marry for love are always fighting society to accept it and really, I’d rather not be involved with love at all.”
Rhys blinked.
“Louisa, I cannot begin to tell you how very comforting your words are.”
“They are?”
“Indeed. I, too, find the entire idea of love to be inferior. However, I believe there would be advantages to this marriage. For one, neither of us outranks the other.”
“We don’t?”
“No. My grandfather was a marquis. He had eight sons, and my father, number eight, had three sons himself. I’m the youngest. So, while I come from decent stock, I’ve not any claim to the luxuries my cousins are accustomed to.”
“But there’s the crux. I’ve no money. And while we each appear to be levelheaded, this match will not be very lucrative for you.”
“No, not financially. But then, you have calloused hands.”
Louisa had rarely been offended in her life, but the mention of her rough hands caused her to inadvertently clench her fists tight.
“I, I’m sorry?”
“I’ve a property in the north, a gift from the Crown as to not be outdone by the King of Sweden. Fenwick Park. It’s in need of work. A good amount of it too. I hadn’t planned on acquiring a wife for another year or so, not until the house was completely restored and the land was being rented out to tenants. But the Crown has all but insisted on me marrying, which is why I came to Bessie’s club tonight. I was in search of a wife and Bessie was going to help, but seeing as how the night has turned out, well, if you are receptive to the idea, I think two sets of hands might be better than one. And judging by your hands—” He nodded to them. “—I think you might be prosperous at Fenwick Park.”
“You want me to help you fix up an estate?”
“Yes.”
Louisa had rarely allowed herself to think of a life outside her uncle’s home. For most of her life, she had been at the beck and call of her mother, and when she became ill, all of Louisa’s dreams went out the window. It was best for her not to think of tomorrow, but this man was offering her something she never even allowed herself to dream of before.
A home all her own.
After their mother passed away, Louisa and her sister had taken up residence at her uncle’s home, where they had largely been ignored. There wasn’t any money for them to have the proper seasons, and while the idea of balls and soirees had terrified Louisa, her sister had longed for them. Perhaps she could give Kitty the season she always wanted?
“I don’t think I can,” she said slowly, still unsure. “I wouldn’t wish to leave my sister.”
“Fenwick Park isn’t hospitable for guests at the moment. However, if enough work is completed before the fall, I believe your sister would be happy to reside there.”
Louisa’s brows lifted.
“You mean, have her move in with us?”
