The Colonel's Spinster - Audrey Harrison Page 0,48

in the areas frequented by the ton. This was different than what he had seen in the city. The streets leading into the centre became more built up and crowded the closer they got.

Terraced houses led off from the main road, and looking down the streets, he saw houses that seemed crowded somehow; they almost looked as if they were clambering to get on top of each other. Mills filled the skyline, their bulking angular masses seeming to block out the light. Smoke pumped from what seemed like thousands of chimneys, making Fitzwilliam wonder if there was any sunlight, and if there was, if it would ever reach the ground.

After watching as the carriage moved through the busy thoroughfare, he eventually sat back in wonderment and awe.

“It’s a little different than what you are used to, I think,” Mr. Bamber said with a grin at the stunned expression on the young man’s face.

“Yes. I have never seen anything like it. It almost feels as if the buildings are closing in on us,” Fitzwilliam admitted.

“This is the oldest area of the city. Thought I would bring you through this part, and then you can see the improvements we have made.”

“He likes to shock our delicate sensibilities,” Mr. Huxley said. He had been extremely quiet around Colonel Fitzwilliam since his arrival, but it was not through fear. He was determined to stand by Anne but knew he was powerless to help her whilst she was in such a precarious situation.

Mr. Bamber laughed. “I have to take my enjoyment from somewhere, and you were not half as shocked as the young Colonel here. You took it in your stride, my boy.” As both Mr. Huxley and Colonel Fitzwilliam were above the age of thirty, they exchanged an amused look that the older gentleman still considered them boys.

“Did you inherit a mill?” Colonel Fitzwilliam asked.

“No. I worked my business up from scratch. My father was a cotton worker, but that wasn’t going to be enough for me. The ability to work hard, learn quickly, and take a few risks meant that, when I met my lovely wife-to-be, I was a joint partner in my first mill. I soon branched out after we had wed and built my own. I was in the process of building the second when my lovely Charlotte died. I think I would have gone insane if it hadn’t been for little Prudence and the two mills.”

“I am surprised the family were so against the marriage if you were already successful,” Fitzwilliam said.

Laughing, Mr. Bamber shook his head at Fitzwilliam. “They didn’t want my tarnished credentials anywhere near their titled daughter. I suppose I cannot blame them. Now I am a man with a daughter myself, I can understand why they only wanted the best for Charlotte. I only want the best for Prudence, but that does not mean I’m foolish enough to want her to have a title.”

“She did mention you were hoping for a viscount,” Fitzwilliam could not resist pointing out.

“That was naught but a joke between father and daughter. I had already decided as long as she was happy, I would accept any man she chose. Unfortunately, she has not wished to marry any of the gentlemen who have offered for her.”

“She’s had many offers?” Fitzwilliam asked.

Mr. Bamber noticed the strangled tone Fitzwilliam failed to hide when he spoke, and it pleased him. It seemed his daughter’s chosen one was not as unaffected by her as he had first presumed. He would enjoy finding out more about the young man as he had already noticed how his eyes followed Prudence, especially when she hadn’t realised she was being observed. There was a longing in Fitzwilliam’s gaze that Prudence might not have noticed, but her father certainly had.

“Under ten but above five.” He grinned. “She has a lot to offer, and the fact that she’s a capable lass has only added to her appeal. A mill owner can’t go far wrong if he has a capable helpmate by his side.”

“I imagine not.” Fitzwilliam was devastated. He had lost hope after Darcy’s interference, but to be told that rich men sought the one he was still in love with had struck him as hard as if it had been a physical blow. He had little to offer her; he knew that, but to have it confirmed shattered the tiny fragment of hope he was clinging onto. His day had gone a little darker.

On arrival at the Bamber Mill, the three