Page 27 of Miss Harvey's Horribly Lovable Fiancé
“Why do I want more than kisses and other things from Giles if it is all so perfunctory?”
“Well, my dear girl, it is not. It’s glorious. It’s heaven. Or the closest you will ever get to it here on earth. But please do not tell anyone I advised you of that.”
“Fine. Good to know. That’s what I want at the least. Pleasure.”
“Very well. So if I cannot assure you that pleasure is a natural byproduct of attraction no matter the first discomfort then…what, Esme, is your real problem?”
“Money.”
“Ha!” He slapped his knee. “I need another drink on that. You too?”
She put out her glass.
He poured. “How much money might you need?”
“Do you ever lose your sense of humor?”
“You know I did. Left it in the dust and blood at Salamanca.” That sobered him, but he shook it off. “I’m eager to learn what kills your good humor on the eve of your wedding.”
“Brentford has not signed the agreement.”
“I thought that was all settled?”
“Papa has signed. The agreements between him and Northington are done. But the duke holds out. For money.”
“Ah, well. An old dog does not change his habits.”
“If I marry without Brentford’s agreement, he may not recognize me as Northington’s rightful wife.”
“The Church will. So will Parliament.”
“He is the duke’s only son.” She had been taught the rules of primogeniture. Iron-clad, were they not? “So he cannot deprive Northington of the estate, can he?”
“My dear, Brentford has recognized Northington as his lawful son by his lawful wife, his deceased Duchess, since his birth. Nigh to impossible to reneg on that after thirty years.”
“So. Good. There is no changing that.” She sipped her wine, gloom clouding her hopes for the future as a happy wife and mother. “I needed to be certain of it.”
“I am confused, Esme. What is your concern about money?”
“Papa’s settlement on me has been more than the norm.”
“Well, of that I am not surprised. The man has made a fortune in wool, cotton and trade. Why would he not give some of it to you?”
“I worry that what Papa has worked for all these years may go to line the pockets of a derelict. Bankers can be bought. Settlements manipulated by those who hold the pursestrings.”
“I will not disagree. Corruption can occur.”
How can I allow that to happen?“That is not just, Charlie.”
“True.”
“Much of this marriage business is not just. Not for me or Giles or you and Willa.”
The stillness in the little cottage was deafening.
For them all, she was furious and bereft. “But I am a woman and we have few rights.”
His silence told of his agreement.
