Page 56 of The Heiress Gets a Duke
August’s gaze was caught by the Elizabethan-era duke staring down at them with disapproval. His hair was darker than Rothschild’s, but he had the same eyes. The same direct way of staring at one. A flutter of awareness awoke in her tummy, and she would have laughed at the sensation if she wasn’t so disturbed.
Keeping her voice low, she said, “You are right. He was a reckless fool who spent more than he should have, but I blame his father for not telling the family of their straightened circumstances. That man had the family live on credit and the strength of their good name for at least a decade. Rothschild is not blameless, but I commend him for trying to do something about it.”
Violet moved to stand in front of August, her eyes narrowed in concern. “But he’s trying to force you into marriage, August. That is not commendable.”
“No, it’s not. However, I told you about the deal we made. I will walk away at the end of the week.”
Violet stared at her with a curious expression. It was almost as if she didn’t believe her, and that put August on the defensive. “I was impressed with the plan he had in place to improve his circumstances. He’s researched everything needed to make the farms more efficient. From newer strains of grain and corn resistant to mold and pests, to mechanized equipment that would make the farms more efficient, to a plan of annual investment for a small percentage of profits meant to be an insurance against future failures, I can see that he’s been busy since his father’s death.”
Violet watched her quietly as they walked the length of the gallery. Her brown eyes had gone from concerned to thoughtful. “I suppose it’s good that he’s taking his circumstances seriously,” she finally said. “Are all the estates so dire?”
August shrugged. “I believe so, but the extensive records are kept in town at Sterling House where his father resided. Rothschild showed me drafts of similar plans for improvement for each one.”
Violet sighed and stopped before one of the portraits to look it over as she ruminated. Finally, she said, “Meanwhile, the tenants continue to suffer.”
August nodded. After luncheon, she had shared with Violet the details of the morning, even the fact that he refused the offer to kiss her.
Finally, Violet turned to her again and said, “You believe that Rothschild’s plan can save them?” A perfectly arched brow warned that she might be getting at something.
“I do.” Before coming to Charrington Manor, she would have answered differently. The past couple of days had shown her an entirely new side of him.
“August... don’t be angry, but I have to ask. Do you think you could be happy here as his duchess? Perhaps this is an opportunity.”
August’s step faltered, and she nearly tripped over the hem of her gown. “No, absolutely not.”
“Hear me out,” said her sister, holding up a hand in a silent plea.” You clearly respect him and are impressed by him. You like his”—Violet glanced around to make certain the footman was several yards behind them—“kisses. Perhaps you could make a life for yourself here.”
“And leave Crenshaw Iron?”
A crease formed in Violet’s forehead. “That is the crux of it, isn’t it?”
“Partially, yes, but I have no wish to give up my freedom to a man. Not yet. Do you know that I would be forced to become a British citizen? For all intents and purposes, I wouldn’t be American anymore. I would have no right to my own funds or property. It would all fall to him. Rothschild would control everything. My entire life would be in his hands. Even if I am able to stay on at the company, all of my earnings, except a mere pittance, would go to him, even shares and dividends.”
“That is a lot to give up.” They walked in silence for a while, making the circle of the room. Finally, Violet asked, “But you do want to marry someday?”
August shrugged. “I have always seen myself married. I want to have my own household and children, but I supposeI assumed that I would have years yet before taking that step.” Now that she had tasted the passion Rothschild had shown her, she wanted that, too.
“What if you were ten years older? Would you accept the duke?”
If she were willing to give up her freedom and her rights for some unknown man in some unknown future, would she choose Rothschild to be that man? The answer was surprisingly easy. “I suppose I might.”
“Girls!”
They whirled to see their mother standing in the doorway of the music room. Inclining her head toward the door, she whispered, “Your absence has been noticed.”
Violet gave her one last glance that asked far too much before she returned to the room. August followed, but she was even more distracted and torn than before.
***
Evan had not been able to stop thinking about August. Not kissing her yesterday by the stables had been one of the most difficult things he had ever done. And then later, after the musical, August and her sister had bidden the room good night, and her eyes had lingered on him. In that brief moment, they had been hot and needy, asking for more. It had taken all of his self-restraint not to quietly go to her room after everyone had retired and see where another kiss would lead them. Instead, he had been forced to relieve his ache for her by his own hand.
Not that his need for her had been assuaged for long. He had woken up with the very same need, his thoughts consumed by her. Somehow, his time with her had made his desire more intense. He had been forced to bare the extent of the need facing the dukedom to her and had been prepared for her derision. It had not come. She had not sneered at him or made it seem that she could not respect him for failing. Instead, she had given him understanding and thoughtful suggestions on how to improve his plans.
His eyes blurred as he tried to focus on the tenant contracts for properties in Haverford spread out before him onthe long table in the library. It was no use. He had read the same passage at least ten times already.
“Oh!” A feminine voice intruded on his dilemma.
August stood in the doorway, and the smile she gave him was completely unguarded and genuine.
