Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,97

Flemming and I spent our lives aiding and fostering those in need, taking those unfortunate young people into our circle. You speak of heirs, but Mr. Dixon is but one of many men I think of as a son.”

Mr. Flemming shook his head and sighed. “Even if he hadn’t confided in me, I have the evidence of my own eyes, Miss Caswell. The fact that no one else has surmised your feelings is beyond me, but people too often overlook the obvious.”

Casting a glance around her, Victoria leaned closer. “If Mr. Dixon has spoken to you, then you must understand my situation.”

For the first time in the conversation, Mr. Flemming’s eyes dimmed. “Too many are left to bear the burdens of their parents’ unfulfilled dreams or shortcomings. You deserve better than that.”

“I disagree.” Pain in her chest accentuated those words, pulsing with each syllable.

“Come now, none of us is perfect, but surely you’ve done nothing so terrible to have earned such censure.”

“I just asked you to marry me, despite knowing how that would devastate Mr. Dixon. I think that has earned me plenty of censure,” she replied with a narrowed gaze. “If anyone deserves better than his lot, it would be him.”

Mr. Flemming’s brows rose and he gave a nod. “Indeed, your actions have not been as admirable as they ought to be, but neither are you wholly villainous, either. But that is all the attention your first statement deserves. Regarding the second, we are of a like mind. I’ve known many fine men in my life, and Mr. Dixon is among the finest of my acquaintance. If I were you, I would not surrender him so easily.”

His expression shifted, that spark of humor rekindling in his gaze. “Besides the fact that he is utterly and irrevocably devoted to you, young lady, you were correct in saying that a successful politician needs a good lady at his side to assist in his ascent. My dear wife did much for me, as you could do for your Mr. Dixon.”

“You would encourage me even after how I’ve behaved?”

Despite the seriousness of her question and the sincerity with which she asked it, Mr. Flemming laughed. “My dear, we are all fools in matters of the heart. No sweethearts escape courtship without some ludicrous decision or behavior on the part of one or the other. When those matters are compounded by family expectations and fear, that foolishness is compounded.”

Mr. Flemming’s brows pulled tight together, his gaze growing heavy. “I only wish there were something I might do to ease the way for you and Mr. Dixon. As it is, I am doing all I can to ensure he has a bright future.”

Victoria dipped her gaze to the floor. “I don’t know if there is any way to ease the way for Mr. Dixon and myself, but I would ask you to forget my proposition. I’m ashamed for having approached you about it, and I would prefer it undone.”

“Consider it forgotten, Miss Caswell,” he said with a fatherly smile. “But I would ask something of you in return: reconsider your course of action. You’ve acted rashly of late, and nothing good comes from desperation.”

Her chin wobbled, and Victoria sucked in a deep breath, forcing her heart back under her control before she replied. “You are entirely correct, sir. For all that I like to think myself a rational creature, my actions of late testify that I am flighty and desperate. I will no longer allow my fears to drive my decisions.”

Mr. Flemming nodded, his smile warming. “The true test of character is how we behave when we believe all is lost.”

“And I expected better of myself,” mumbled Victoria.

“Even the best of us falter, so do not judge yourself so harshly. No one can navigate such treacherous waters without getting wet. Begin again and learn from your mistakes.”

The pair wound their way across the dance floor in silence, and while a flush of shame plagued Victoria, she could not wholly regret the moment: clarity was often difficult to find amid such trials, and she had been given a heaping dose of it.

Had she truly thought to marry Mr. Flemming? Regardless of the logic behind such a choice, Victoria couldn’t believe she’d chosen to betray Mr. Dixon in such a manner. She still bore the burdens of her family’s future but seeing herself as the desperate creature she’d become helped clear away the panic strangling her.

The music came to a close, and Mr. Flemming offered up his