Page 42 of If the Slipper Fits
“Such as?”
Her look of genuine interest sparked his own passion for the subject.
“There's repairing and building roads and, yes, buildings. Additionally, the lime derived, spread over depleted soil, has been shown to improve crop yields. Too, the right amount of limestone minerals added to a town’s water supply can make it more healthful for drinking. And, not to get too detailed, but used as a flux in metallurgical processes—refining, alloying, extracting metals,” he put in at her querulous expression, “it lowers the melting point, helps to purify metals, etc.”
“How extraordinary.”
“Exactly.” Unfortunately talking about the project reignited his ire toward his brother. Damn Zeke and his sanctimonious, supercilious, self-righteous attitude which had caused Caden’s own over-the-top, knee-jerk reaction.
He should be heading-up repurposing the mill in the coming months. Instead, following the Fenton’s party he was off to who-knew-where for who-knew-how-long to subsist on God-knows-what.
Weeks ago, on the cusp of their argument, cutting ties with his family had seemed like a grand idea. And it was. He hated Zeke’s holier-than-thou condescension. It didn’t help there was some truth to his brother’s accusations, nor did the fact his brother held himself to the meticulous standards he touted. Zeke didn’t have an irresponsible bone in his body.
He shook off the dour thoughts and refocused on the beautiful, mysterious woman beside him. “You may recall the quarry isn’t far from the cottage your family let.”
“Yes. On the river.”
He heard the smile in her voice and felt his own mouth curve upward.
“Such enthusiasm from a man who, by his own admission, spent the last year flitting from house party to house party.”
It was as if she’d spotted his weakness and purposefully jabbed him there. “Your point?” he asked, working hard to keep his tone light.
“I’m wondering what sparked your interest?”
“Ah.” The sting from her too-keen observation faded at thoughts of his new sister-in-law. He smiled, unable to not. “I believe I’ve mentioned Lady Kitty, Zeke’s wife?”
She nodded.
“Yes, well, the lady is,” he gazed toward the plastered ceiling as he considered how to best describe her. “…quite something. Among other things, she’s a self-appointed champion for humanity. When she learned Zeke had been de-facto providing limestone for the royal navy’s arsenal, she commenced one of her legendary lectures on the moral degeneracy in allowing said practice to continue.”
He stopped and narrowed his eyes on her. “You know, I think the two of you would get along. She’s another strong-willed, opinionated female.”
Both her brows shot up.
He’d meant the comparison as a compliment. Mostly.
“Her claims piqued my interest, and I did some checking. It didn’t take long to decide the lady made a fair point. ”
“Why? Whatdid you find?”
He studied her a long moment and considered what he’d learned about how limestone had been militarized, particularly by the navy.Greekfireused by the British navy, was an incendiary blend of chemicals, the primary being limestone, that even water wouldn’t douse. Quicklime, a powder substance tossed on a standing army, caused blindness and burned the skin.
He shook his head. “I think it’s best I refrain from detailing the horrors of militarizing limestone. Suffice it to say what I learned spurred me to research limestone’s alternative uses. I planned to present my findings on the benefits of repurposing the quarry, as well as my offer to head up the the project as a kind of”—he shrugged—“wedding present for my brother and Lady Kitty.”
Deep approval glowed in her eyes. “I think that’s wonderful, Caden. May I ask what changed your mind?”
He’d happened upon Zeke and the earl’s heated discussion—about him and his apparent, derelict ways. “Turned out, he had someone more qualified in mind.”
She made a scoffing sound. “Then why hadn’t he already installed this person? In any case, it’s perfectly clear the role should go to you. Nobody could be better suited.”
He stared at her, reluctantly fascinated. “You don’t say?"
She surprised him, reaching one gloved hand to cover his. “You were born to defend innocents and right wrongs. It comes as naturally to you as breathing.” Her tilted amber eyes seemed to capture every bit of the meager wall lamps’ golden light.
“You must be confusing me with someone else.”
She shook her head. “From the moment we met, you impressed me with your gallantry. You never hesitated to do what you thought right, even when you paid a price.” A tiny smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. “That’s why you made the perfect Prince Charming.”
