Hearts Entwined (Victorian Love #3) - M.A. Nichols Page 0,37

being unfair to them. It must be difficult to bear the burden of omniscience, for those gentlemen also boast expansive knowledge on the law, economics, warfare, medicine, business, agriculture, philosophy, architecture, welfare and social issues, and any other subject broached within their hearing. It is a wonder their necks keep their heads upright with that vast amount of expertise weighing their minds.”

Oliver could give no other response than a hearty laugh to that, for Miss Caswell spoke with such earnestness that anyone listening would think her words a compliment. “And what would they say if they knew what a wicked tongue you have, Miss Caswell?”

She sighed, leaning into his arm. “It is an unfortunate fact that such men hold the power, for they hold the purse strings. They may not understand the complexity of economics, but it is their money that propels the economy forward. So, I must flatter and cajole them, guiding them along without their knowledge. It is exhausting at times.”

“But you do it well, and for good causes,” said Oliver.

They drew up under a vast oak tree, and Miss Caswell pulled free of his hold to pluck a leaf from the ground. Wandering around the trunk, she said in a low voice, “It seems so unfair that some gentlemen are born with all the wealth and connections but no intellect or passion to do anything with it, while others are forced to languish in obscurity and poverty as they fight to climb the ranks.”

Miss Caswell paused, turning to stare out at the party. “There are so many fine gentlemen of worth and ability that struggle for years to gain a particle of the power that so many are given unworthily.”

“That is revolutionary talk for the granddaughter of a baron and viscount,” replied Oliver.

“Much good it has done my family,” she said with a stern look at him while tossing the leaf aside. “But I find I am quite swept up in this new philosophy of merit and effort determining one’s place in society. I have watched far too many gentlemen like Mr. Dixon who have all the skill, talent, and drive to go far in politics but are forced to spend years slaving away as clerks and personal secretaries, hoping that some well-connected patron will notice and assist them. Whereas others, like Mr. Dosett, are handed power and influence and do little with it.”

“Mr. Dixon seems a fine gentleman, and I am certain he will go far,” said Oliver.

“But how long will it take?” she said, turning away and continuing to stroll along the edge of the group. “He will spend years scraping by with hardly enough income to feed himself.”

“From what I know of him, it sounds as though he is positioned for a very bright future,” said Oliver as he came up beside her.

Miss Caswell took his arm and held it tight as they continued their turn about the grounds. “Have I ever told you how much I admire you? You are such a wonderful man.”

Oliver’s brows rose, and he gave her a smug grin. She bumped him again with a mock scowl.

“I must amend that statement,” she murmured. “You are just as irritating and condescending as all the rest.”

Chuckling, Oliver patted her hand and urged her to continue.

“You were born with so many advantages, yet rather than sit back and live off your estate’s income, you are driven and work hard to improve the lives of not only your tenants but the rest of Bristow.”

“That is a product of being a Kingsley. We’re meddlers.”

Miss Caswell gave him an exasperated shake of her head, and it was his turn to bump her with his shoulder.

“And you do not see how unique you are among ladies?” he replied. “Never contented unless you are furthering a cause. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a woman so involved in politics and social reform.”

“Any good politician’s wife is, and that is what I long to be,” she said.

Oliver didn’t trip or fumble his steps in any way. In truth, he looked as though that pronouncement was nothing out of the ordinary, but there was a wealth of meanings and implications steeped in that little sentence. His mind sped between dozens of thoughts all at once to the point where they tangled together into an incomprehensible mess.

“Is that how you see our future?” he asked.

Miss Caswell was silent beside him, moving in step with him as they meandered far enough not to be overheard but close enough for propriety.