“That’s what most young women are searching after during the Season.” She laughed. “It’s no reason to be upset, dear. Don’t you want a good match?”
My thoughts turned to Henry. How ironic that I was not good enough for him in 1774, yet here I was being pursued by one of the most promising politicians—and a marquess, no less.
“I have no wish to marry.”
“Truly?” She frowned. “Why not?”
“I have other ambitions.” I took a deep breath, wanting to make sure she didn’t misunderstand me. “I’ve adopted several causes, such as women’s suffrage—”
She took a step away from me. “You cannot be serious.”
“I believe that all women should be allowed to vote. After all, the men elected to power make decisions for us every day. Shouldn’t I have some say in who makes those decisions?”
“You’re hardly old enough to understand such things—”
“I am quite certain of my opinion, Mrs. Asquith.” I couldn’t tamp down the passion I felt in my breast. Mama had raised me to believe in my own mind and abilities. Her experiencesin the 1980s and 1990s had taught her to be bold and brave in her convictions, and I was too. Even if it wasn’t acceptable to women like Mrs. Asquith. “I believe, with all my heart, that I am on the right side of history in this regard.”
She stared at me for a moment. Would she berate me right here in the lavatory?
“Do you know,” she said, her voice softening, “I believe the vast majority of women are incompetent and incapable of knowing their own mind?”
I had heard.
“But you, my dear, are different. I can see it plainly in your face. You’re intelligent, well-spoken, and not afraid to stand up to the prime minister’s wife.” She chuckled and smiled affectionately. “I do believe you would make a great politician’s wife. It’s not easy to stand up to the masses, and women like us are needed to speak our minds—even if we do not agree with each other.”
My heart sank. This was not what I had hoped.
She examined me with her approving gaze. “Reggie is carried away with the idea of you, and I can see why. You and he will be the envy of every ambitious couple in England.”
The panic returned, and suddenly not even the ladies’ room was a safe place.
Hours later, as Mother and I stepped into our cab to make our way back to our townhouse, my head pounded and my stomach was still nauseated. Lord Cumberland had just promised Mother he would call on her in the morning, and I had done everything I could to disregard his advances, even ignoring him during the second half of the evening.
The vehicle’s motor rumbled as we pulled away from the Royal Opera House. Exhaust entered the interior, making my head hurt worse than before.
Mother did not waste any time. “Your behavior was abominable tonight. It’s a wonder Lord Cumberland still plans to come tomorrow.”
“Is it?”
She stared at me. “I really don’t know where you came from, Anna. I know dozens of women who would envy your position.”
If she only knew.
“He will make an offer for you, I’m quite certain.” Her voice had shifted from censure to victory.
Of course he would. He had made up his mind. If he was as influenced by Mrs. Asquith as it appeared, he’d be even more eager on the morrow. “He likes the idea of me and doesn’t care much about the reality.”
“Your father has given me leave to speak on his behalf, though I’m sure Lord Cumberland will want to make a formal appeal to Mr. Wells.” She continued as if she hadn’t heard me. “However, that will not be necessary to move forward, and since the wedding will take place in New York, Lord Cumberland can make his formal request when he arrives.”
I pressed my hands to my pounding head. If I did not have another life in the 1700s and this was my only existence, I would probably jump at the opportunity to marry someone in England just so I could be an ocean away from Mother Wells. But Ididhave another life, one I did not want to compromise in any way. “There will be no wedding.”
Mother Wells sighed, a long and deep sound. “You’re tiresome on every level. I refuse to continue playing this game with you.”
“I will be twenty in less than three weeks. Old enough to know my own mind. I will marry whomever I want, whenever I want.”
The automobile was dark, but I could still feel her steely gaze upon me. “How foolish and vain and self-centered you are.”Her voice dripped with disdain. “Youareobligated to me and your father,” she said. “As your mother, I am the only person who knows what is best for you. And until you marry, your father has legal authority over your life. You may not thank me now, but one day, when you are presiding over England like Mrs. Asquith and people are rushing to your opera box, you will.”
“I will not.” I spoke with such certainty and conviction that she paused.
