“Your own family castigates you for your interests,” she said, triumphant when the idea came to her. “I’m not sure your reputation can provide what you offer.”
“I am the grandson of a duke. Nothing changes my blood. The benefits are not all mine. You pride yourself on being practical. Well, this is very practical, for both of us.”
“Perhaps too practical. You do not want to marry me. You want to marry my half of your enterprise. You are too conceited even to consider what would happen if your grand scheme is not successful. Then you may find yourself encumbered with a practical marriage long after it has outlived its usefulness.”
“Of course it will be successful.”
“Not if my voice is silenced due to this marriage, which no doubt is another reason for this proposal.”
He smiled, not kindly. “Do you truly believe that your judgment regarding this invention and its development is essential to the success of this enterprise? We are not talking about bonnets.”
“We are not talking about brilliant inventions either. Not anymore. The true potential is in the making of this device, and its use, and I do believe that my judgment is necessary there.”
“Zeus, but you are impossible.”
He stood abruptly and walked away five paces. Hands on hips he looked to the sky, then down to the ground. She knew he was containing his temper. Since her own voice had raised, she was glad for the respite so she could collect herself too.
“You are being stubborn,” he said. “Think of your intentions for your life, and for your sister’s life. This enterprise is central to my future, but not to yours.” She could not deny that this marriage would ensure Lily’s future. He offered her his station and pedigree. His blood. There was no comparison between being the grandson and cousin of a duke and being a well-to-do gentleman like Charles. Even if most of society scorned her forherblood, a good number would probably still at least tolerate her, if only to get closer to Hollinburgh. She knew what most women in her position would do.
Most women would grab this chance and hope for the best. But Charles’s face hovered in her mind, and she saw little else when she gazed inward. Her heart yearned to have its way. She did not want to bury her love and walk away from what still might be possible.
She spoke slowly so her confusion and astonishment did not trip up her language. “Your offer is very generous. I will acknowledge that. However, I think it would be better if we kept our partnership as it now stands. If we married, we would probably have numerous rows much like this one about the enterprise, especially because my voice would count for little after we spoke those vows. Thank you, however.”
He did not respond to that. No request that she think about it more. No final arguments.
She stood. “Now, I would very much like to see the invention.”
* * *
She had turned him down. Oh, she had been surprised, perhaps even shocked, but she had recovered soon enough. Her rejection had been damned articulate.
What was wrong with her? In truth the benefits would be more hers than his. Her change in station would last forever while, as she had so bluntly pointed out, his control of the enterprise might come to naught in the end.
Against all logic and her own self-interest, she hadturned him down.
There was nothing to do but accept it and retreat with grace. He could hardly make promises of undying love, and admitting how his mind dwelled on her might even make her angrier. What could he say?It would not be a love match, but I desire you fiercely. If you allow me to give you pleasure, you will never regret this marriage.
He escorted her into the house just as his father entered the morning room.
“Ah, Miss Jameson,” he exclaimed by way of welcome.
“Not now,” Kevin said while he sped Miss Jameson through the chamber and along to the staircase.
“Thank you for that,” she said.
“We’ve no time to entertain him.” His father was the last person he wanted to see right now, after having proposed for the first time in his life to no avail. Rejected by the daughter of a tenant farmer, no less. A milliner.I’ll not be needing such as you, sir.
He told himself to stop being a childish ass. In a day or so, his prickling resentment would pass. He might even find himself relieved by her choice.
He guided her up the stairs to the level where he lived, then across the landing to his door. “The engine is in my chambers. Had I known you wanted to see it today, I would have had it moved to the garden and fired it up for you.”
“Would that help me understand the invention?”
“Demonstrations are useful, but I think you will understand my explanation.”
The anteroom to the bedchamber served as his study. One window’s drapes remained closed. He strode over and drew them so light fell on the table set a few feet from the glass panes.
When he turned back, Miss Jameson was gazing down at the miniature steam engine gleaming atop the table, her expression one of deep curiosity.
