Page 53 of Playing the Scoundrel

His assured dismissal of the topic brought a surge of anger to Emma’s chest. “Then you’ve not heard of Caroline Herschel or Margaret Bryan? Both intelligent and respected women who studied the science of the stars and made fascinating discoveries.”

“Yes, but they are perhaps not gentlewomen, rather unmarried, spinster women, dependent on income from their pursuits?”

Emma held her tongue, for she did not know.

“You, on the other hand, are young and beautiful, and will undoubtedly not require an occupation for stability. Therefore, you need only the training of how to run your future husband’s home, which would make such knowledgeable pursuits unnecessary.”

Her disappointment was overwhelming. How had she misjudged Mr. Bernard so? Emma had thought any amiable gentleman with a respectable background and enough money for a modest living would suffice, and Mr. Bernard met all those requirements. But his notion of her pursuits and passions, something as innocent as reading, would that be ripped away from her as his wife? She was not ignorant of marital responsibilities and running a house, but her life would not be completely encompassed by her husband’s life alone.

Judith’s words came rushing back in an instant:Men do not change.So if she did end up marrying Mr. Bernard, it would surely be more of his dismissive attitude about something she dearly loved. That couldn’t be worth the exchange. Thoughts of Mr. Godwin flooded her mind, for hehadchanged. She’d witnessed such a transformation in him. Not to his person entirely, for he remained ever a playful tease, and there were times he looked at her, she could feel the same fire and passion as when he’d held her in his arms. But he did not have as many false masked layers as he used to, at least not in her presence. Did that mean Judith was wrong? If Mr. Bernard was the right choice, that he could change? Or that if she had the bravery to pursue something she truly desired, that she wouldn’t be wrong to hope for Mr. Godwin?

“I do not wish to cause you displeasure, Miss Follett. I think you a most charming and amiable young woman, and I have enjoyed our time together immensely.” Mr. Bernard reached out and took hold of Emma’s hand in a gentle grasp. “I only caution you against such bluestocking tendencies so as to not impede any of your more advantageous marital prospects.”

His words left Emma’s mouth completely dry. He was telling her if she wanted any kind of marriage from him, she would need to give up her studies. The one man who had been her goal since she arrived was now giving her an ultimatum. Giving up her enjoyment of science and history in exchange for his satisfaction in marriage did not sound like a bargain she could make. She would rather not marry at all.

Plastering a false smile on her lips, Emma gave his hand a squeeze in return. “Thank you, Mr. Bernard. You’ve given me much to think on.”

“You are most welcome, Miss Follett.” Then he grinned widely and urged the horses on, as if she’d given him the greatest compliment. When really, she was considering if his pursual of her was worth accepting anymore at all.

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