“I don’t know yet.” She struggled to think. “What if I were to find another marital prospect for you?”
“Do you believe that’s possible?”
“I need time to figure that out.”
Mr. Cooper studied her. “How much time?”
“A month?”
“I’m afraid I can’t give you that, Miss Russell. Considering it’s already a month and a half since I left New York, I really need to be heading back soon. So the most I can spare is one week.”
“One week? But that’s hardly any time at all.”
“It’s the best I can do.” He looked genuinely contrite. “However, if you are able to make me another offer within that timeframe, I shall consider it with the same degree of attention I give every business deal I’m presented with. You have my word on that.”
“Thank you.” It was all she could think to say.
“But if you fail, you’ll marry me without causing a stir. Agreed?”
Charlotte swallowed. “Agreed.”
He held her gaze. “To be clear, I came here in good faith and with the understanding that your father had explained the situation to you and gained your approval.”
“He did not.”
“No, and I mean to address that with him directly. However, I refuse to chalk this trip up to a wasted effort. I’ve invested valuable time and funds with every intention of using the Society wedding I believed would take place as a means of increasing my notoriety and expanding my business.”
“You wished to make headlines?”
“Of course. The publicity would be tremendous, but more than that, marriage into the British peerage would increase my acceptance among the elite.”
“I would have thought your accumulation of wealth would be enough for that in a country renowned for encouraging hard work and self-made success.”
“Not if I’m to rub shoulders with powerful families like the Astors and the DuPonts.”
Charlotte bit her lip. She’d never heard of these people. Judging from his tone, they were important, so she simply said, “I see your predicament.”
He inclined his head. “If it’s any consolation, I like you a great deal, Miss Russell. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders.” He hesitated briefly, then gestured toward the door. “Shall we inform your parents of our agreement?”
“They are without doubt expecting us to announce our engagement.”
“But we won’t. Not yet at least.” When Charlotte didn’t move, he went to the door and opened it. “Ah, Lady Elkins.”
The viscountess appeared so swiftly it was clear she’d been standing nearby, possibly eavesdropping. “My husband awaits you in his study.”
Charlotte bristled. If only she’d been blessed with parents who loved her and respected her for who she was and what she wanted to be.
“When can we start planning the wedding?” Mama asked as soon as Mr. Cooper had left the room.
Charlotte stifled a groan. “We’re not getting married, Mama.”
“What? But you have to.”
Not if Charlotte could help it. “I think I’ll take my luncheon in my bedchamber. There’s much for me to consider.”
“But what about Mr. Cooper?”
“He is the reason I need time to think.”
