“Why outside backing?” As far as Amelia knew, Benedict had money to spare.
“A London backer will also come with London connections that he”—Fiona tilted her head toward Benedict—“refuses to make. The product is aimed at wealthier households so those connections could be useful.”
That made sense. Amelia could think of several ways that a member of thetoncould influence potential distributors. There were ways thatshecould influence distributors—assuming she could reestablish the significance she’d had prior to her marriage.
Had Benedict not considered her at all in his business planning?
“I’ll try to look past your assumption that he hasn’t just made a very strong London connection and instead simply ask if I can help.”
Fiona finished off her tea in one swallow. “Can you make the Pearson Group respond to letters with less than a month’s delay? They want us to hand over the designs so they can get cracking on development, but they have yet to hand over any money.”
“The Pearson Group? The same Pearson Group that was selling shares in the Dallah Coffee Company last year?” Amelia asked.
Fiona looked at her, surprised. “The very one.”
“Goodness, don’t give them anything until you see the cash. Lord Easton has no blunt. I removed him from the List of Eligible Bachelors last Season when it became apparent that he needed an heiress, any heiress. Even an American one.” She shuddered.
“Why didn’t you mention this before?” Benedict asked, as if Lord Easton had been a topic of breakfast conversation.
“Because you’ve shown such interest in the goings-on of society,” she drawled. “In fact, I think your very words were ‘Amelia, do you expect me to feign interest in this?’”
Fiona scrambled for notepaper, grabbing a quill and ink. “Tell me more,” she said. “Tell me everything you know.”
Benedict held the door while the two women clasped hands. When Amelia suggested Fiona pay her a social call and his business associate agreed, he had a momentary sense that the world was tilting. Amelia seemed to be altering every aspect of his life.
“How does a woman get to be a chemist, inventor, whatever she is?” Amelia asked as they descended the stairs.
“That’s her story to tell, when she’s ready.” Fiona’s past had been as difficult as his own—more so, potentially. It was no wonder she was determined to create independent wealth.
“Well, that sounds intriguing. But honestly, I had the best education a woman could have, and I don’t understand a single thing in that chaotic stack of papers. How did she learn it?”
“Ah. She started here scrubbing the floors. John caught her reading one of his scientific treatises and decided that raw talent should be nurtured. Did you have fun today?” They reached the bottom of the stairs, and she looked up at him.
“You know, I really did. Thank you.”
“You were very helpful up there.”
“Truly?” she asked. “I’m so glad.” She was more satisfied than he’d ever seen her. Even more than when she’d won last week’s argument about buying a new piano.
“You know, you can visit here any time.”
She ran a gloved finger down the banister, wrinkling her nose at the layer of soot against the satin. “I think I will. You clearly need someone in charge of cleaning and organization.” She turned to him. “If you don’t mind, that is.”
The thought of anyone coming into the firm and making changes made him uncomfortable. But he had wanted to engage her with his life, and he could hardly back out now because it wasn’t how he’d imagined.
“Of course. I can’t promise there will be much for you to do, but I’ll enjoy seeing you during the day.”
Benedict nodded at the men they passed as they left the building.
“They enjoy working for you,” Amelia murmured as the men nodded back. “And they’re proud of what they do.”
“They simply value hard work and know what they’re doing makes a difference.”
“I think you’re underestimating your role in making their lives feel meaningful.” Amelia put a hand on his arm, stilling them for a minute with a smile that was completely sincere. And it made his stomach flip flop.
He coughed to move the moment along. “Thank you.”
But he couldn’t help the giddy grin he wore all the way into town.
