Page 36 of The Lady Tempts an Heir
“About a year before she was married, she read an article about an entire family who had nearly frozen to death in the January cold because they slept with their windows open. The theory at the time was that one could be asphyxiated slowly overnight due to lack of oxygen. The ideabecame exaggerated as it spread to the masses to the point where an entire slum in Manchester slept with window sashes open in the dead of winter. This unfortunate family lost two young children because of it. She wanted to save the poor from themselves, so she printed pamphlets and hired a physician with her allowance to hold lectures about the dangers of the cold. Only it happened again the next year, different family, same result.
“The point is that the poor will always be such, whether it’s due to unfortunate decisions, chance, education, character; there is no changing their ways.”
“You speak as if they are different than you or I.”
“Aren’t they?” He leaned forward to tap the ash off the end of his cigar into a crystal dish before settling back and eyeing Max with meaning. “You’ve only to look at your family to see that, to see how far you have come. Providence may select a few, but most remain as they are.”
Max bristled, his jaw tightening. “It’s hardly providence, and what do you know of my family?”
“I know your grandfather had coal in his blood. I know thathisfather was a petty criminal who was jailed for larceny and died penniless.”
The man had done his research. “I don’t understand your point.”
“I’m saying that out of the masses that earn their living in the coal mines of Western Pennsylvania, how many change their fate?” It was a rhetorical question, so he quickly went on. “Your family is different, whether you want to believe it. Fate intervened on your behalf.”
“It was hard work and more than a little conniving on my grandfather’s part.”
Farthington shrugged. “Call it what you will, most of the poor won’t change their circumstances when given the chance. However, I did not come here to discuss your opinions on the poor, though now that I think of it, it’s good thatyou don’t agree with me. If you did, you would soon find Helena tiresome.”
Max opened his mouth to argue, but the man continued. “I was impressed with you last night, young Maxwell. You defended her when most men I know would have left the women to their tongue wagging without interfering. Or at least backed down once they saw me present. You did neither. You stood up for her.”
“I couldn’t have done less, nor could any other man worth her time. Misguided as you think she may be, she has made a difference in the lives of those around her. There is a boy who works in this very club instead of living on the streets, because of her aid. He has a mind, a soul. He could be an Augustus Crenshaw, or he could make a scientific discovery, or simply be there to help another person in need when the time comes.”
The man looked him up and down. “You sound like Helena.”
“The world would be a better place if more of us did, my lord.” The gibe landed neatly. Max saw the pinched look come over Farthington’s face as he realized he’d just been insulted.
“I disagree with you,” the man began, “but as we’ve already established, I haven’t come here to quibble with you. I’ve come to tell you that I will allow this courtship to continue, pending your attendance at Claremont Hall in a fortnight. We have a small gathering of friends there every year for a celebration before Christmas. Your parents are already planning to attend. I sincerely hope that your plans will accommodate a visit.”
Max was speechless for a moment. Never had he imagined it would be so easy to gain her father’s cooperation. His common roots and wealth would provide a nearly overwhelming barrier. He had assumed the most they would obtain was Farthington’s grudging tolerance. Then, hewould be immensely relieved when they called off the wedding, possibly thinking his disapproval had been instrumental in the decision.
To say this was unexpected was an understatement. To say that Max felt unreasonably happy was not.
Their courtship wasn’t real. He shouldn’t feel as if everything he had ever wanted was within his grasp, because it wasn’t. Helena wasn’t his no matter that her father approved. This was all for show, and he had no idea why he was having such trouble remembering that. Heat diffused through his chest, and he struggled to take in a breath.
Helena’s life was here in England. She would never agree to give it up to come with him to New York, no matter that he could now imagine her there with him. Reality brought his joy back down to a more reasonable level.
“Thank you, my lord. I’m certain that I can arrange my schedule so that I can attend. I’d already planned to stay through Christmas.”
“Good. I’ll have my secretary send over the details.”
“Of course,” Max answered, following Farthington to his feet.
“I must be going now.” Farthington turned but twisted back to face him after taking a step. “I don’t want to regret this, Crenshaw. Helenamusthave someone willing to indulge her sensibilities.”
“I’ll look after her properly. I have great affection and admiration for your daughter.”
Farthington nodded in acceptance and left him there pondering how true those words really were.
•••
Helena rose to her feet when Huxley announced Maxwell at her drawing room door. She hadn’t seen him since their kiss the night before last, approximately forty-one and a half hours ago—not that she’d been counting them. He filled the doorway almost entirely, and the way hestood there as if uncertain of his reception made her think back to their very first meeting. He had affected her even then, though she wouldn’t have admitted it for a million pounds.
“Maxwell. How unexpected.”
He seemed grim, his eyes withdrawn from her somehow. A warning flickered in her belly. “My apologies for stopping by unannounced. I meant to send a note. I was home visiting with Papa, and it seemed more expedient to call on you personally.”
“Please do not apologize. I am happy to see you.” Nervous, but happy. Why did she feel as if butterflies were at war with one another in her stomach? Smoothing a hand down her skirt, she said, “Won’t you come in? Would you like tea?”
