Page 45 of The Dragoneers of Longbourn and Pemberley
“Rosings nest is the best. You have a keen eye for dragons, for a woman.”
“How could I not be impressed? Rosings and Longbourn could both profit from an alliance.”
Mr. Rosings nodded. “Bold, Miss Longbourn. You cut right to your interest. Let us discuss the possibilities.”
This was it. “I propose we breed Lelantos with one of your dames, likely here at Rosings nest, and —”
Rosings interrupted her with a guffaw. “You can’t be serious. What use is Longbourn’s dragon, at death’s door? You didn’t think I was sincere, at the ball?”
Valeraine felt like a startled rabbit, moments away from being shot. Was this not a possibility that Rosings wanted to discuss? It must be a negotiation tactic. “Lelantos is not so frail. He did beat Yokull in the derby, didn’t he? Imagine what his children could do in their prime.”
Rosings gave a dismissive wave. “Little tricks and luck, only. Does he have any children?”
“Not that I know of,” Valeraine had to admit.
“Well, there you have it.” The finality in Rosing’s tone punctured her heart.
“Lelantos is magnificent, and if paired with your fine dragons here —”
“Yes, paired withourdragons, the eggs could be wonderful. You propose a loan of your dragon to Rosings, to breed?”
“I do, yes.”
“So Rosings would take on the significant risk of housing a dragon for only achancethat he is not too old to sire?”
“There’s no evidence that drake virility —”
“The longer Lelantos nested here, the more he would settle, and we could coax him to fathering. The true reward would only come over many years. And who knows how many years that old dragon has left?”
“There’s been no signs of an imminent death. Lelantos may have fifty more years, easily.”
“No, a loan will not do.” Rosings was not even considering her arguments. He had already mapped out the conversation. “This is what we must do, fair Valeraine.”
“What is that?” she asked, wary. He was toying with her, like he had this in mind from the moment he answered her letter, but had put off the announcement to amaze her with his brilliance.
“Longbourn will give Rosings your dragon as a gift.”
“You are a fool —”
“As a dowry,” he said slickly, knowing that it would silence her.
It did.
As a dowry? “For whom?”
“For you. I see you have a hatch-mother’s fiery spirit. You come from a dragon-house, and you are not scared of the beasts. You would make a serviceable mistress of Rosings.”
She had come here for an egg, not a husband. Her mind was spinning, a wheel come loose from a wagon. “For me, to be married to you?” Valeraine finally got out.
“I pondered on the qualities I would need in a wife: and the primary was handling dragons. You are also appropriately comely.”
This was everything that Mamma had ever wanted for her. She would be mistress of a grand house, full of dragons and wealth. She would escape the sinking ship that was Longbourn house. She saw that comfortable life stretching out before her. She would have hatchlings to tame. She would have respect, and money. She would get to stay with Lelantos, ‘til death did them part.
Rosings said, “I will of course go to your father to work out the particulars; I am sure he will agree to the generous offer.”
Papa probably would agree to the dowry, even if it stripped Longbourn of their dragon. Lelantos was dying anyway. In exchange, he would have a daughter married and powerful connections to Rosings that would make it at least possible to marry off her sisters somewhat advantageously.
Longbourn house would die. She would be its killer.
