The Bareknuckle Groom - Holly Bush Page 0,68
as he.”
There was no use denying the fact, and it was imperative that she stood her ground. “I did go see the fight. It was horrific by any measure.”
“And barbaric! I’ve been told they fight without all of their clothing! For a young, unmarried woman to see such a display. I’m ashamed of you, Daughter.”
“I’m sorry to hear that, Papa.”
“I want you to give up this . . . this,” he said and swung his arm around the room, “this ridiculous notion of living away from your family home and my influence. Clearly, you still need my guidance.”
“I will not. I have the money from Mother’s side of the family coming to me soon and have seen a reputable attorney to safeguard it from you and your machinations.”
“Machinations? That is what you call fatherly concern? Love for a daughter?”
“I do believe you love me, for all of your bluster, and I love you dearly, but I am not a child. I intend to live my life as I see fit and to have the friends I wish to have.”
He plopped down onto a chair and stared up at her. He looked old, suddenly, and tired.
“I have considered writing you out of my will,” he said finally. “But I’m not sure it will change your course of action.”
“It will not, Papa.”
“What is it? What have I done to deserve this behavior?”
She dropped to her knees and took his hands in hers. “You have done nothing except provide me the finest of everything: a good education, a secure home, and most of all, your love. But I’m no longer a child. You left everything behind, against your parents’ wishes, according to Aunt Louisa, and came to America. You chose to live your life in the best manner you could.”
He looked at her and shook his head. “Louisa should have never told you about my disagreements with my father. And in any case, we settled the matter quickly once he began to see the advantages of having his son in the New World. But I am a man, Lucinda.”
“Times are changing. There are women in all sorts of fields now. In academics, in medicine, in art. By the time I am forced to take over the reins of the Vermeal interests, women will be more commonplace in industry, especially once the right to vote comes for women. I will have an exceptional advantage with the foundation you and your father laid, established contacts in business and politics, and a family name that people trust. I believe we will be successful beyond our wildest dreams and have been hoping you will soon begin to tutor me in some of our business ventures. But you will never do that if you only see me as a child.”
“I thought you wanted nothing to do with Vermeal businesses. You’ve resisted my choice for a husband, and you are reluctant to listen to me, Lucinda.”
She nodded. “Yes. In the matters of the heart, Papa. But that is not all I am. I am not only a woman looking for a man. Of course I will follow your counsel in business matters. But I am a Vermeal in my own right.”
His eyes widened and he looked away, turning her hands over in his and squeezing them gently. “I’m not sure I am ready for this.”
“I’m certain you are. You have always been on the leading edge of finance and industry. A daughter at your side will not impede you in the least once you have had some time to settle it in your head.”
“When you say things like that, you remind me very much of your mother.” He kissed her forehead. “She would be terribly proud of you, you know.”
“Would she? Would she be proud?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “I miss her very much.”
“Of course you do, and even more so with me here and Aunt Louisa ready to marry Mr. Delgado. Mama would want you to be happy. Aunt Louisa said she loved you very much. She would not want you to be lonely.”
He stood and helped her to her feet. “I will take myself away from here now, as I have no interest in any matchmaking at my advanced age.” She walked him to the door and kissed his cheek. “I do intend, though, to have a number of hefty male servants assigned here. You cannot expect poor Brandleford to throw out inappropriate suitors on his own, can you?”
“No, Papa. I cannot,” she said and smiled at him.
James took