Heiress in Red Silk (Duke's Heiress #2) - Madeline Hunter Page 0,49

the heels of those thoughts came memories about the dinner last night, and some of the peculiar things said by Felicity about the late duke’s death. If those insinuations held any truth at all—

Then there were the things he did not know about her. He had no idea just how inappropriate she would be as a wife. While she had been an inconspicuous servant at Mrs. Darling’s, someone might eventually recognize her as a denizen of that house, no matter how fine she dressed or where she lived.

“You are doing this because you want control of my half of the enterprise. This is just like that document you wanted me to sign. That is your goal.”

“That is one reason. The main one, yes.”

How bluntly he said that. He was not even trying flattery. No declarations of affection or praise of her beauty to appeal to her emotions. Direct and honest, that was Kevin Radnor.

She began to resent that. “No doubt the rest of my inheritance is the other reason.”

“In the long run, I have no need of your money. I may not have thousands in a bank now, but I am well situated. I am also my father’s heir.”

“He appeared hale and fit to me when I saw him. As for being his heir, if you marry such as me, he will probably disown you.”

“There are parts he can’t do that with. You don’t have to worry that I have designs on your funds. If you want, we will execute a settlement that makes such a move on my part impossible.”

“That goes without saying.” She would never allow anyone to have that money. Even Charles would have to make such a settlement.

“I think you believe the benefits of this union would be all one-sided,” he said.

“You would be sitting pretty and I would be much diminished. The benefits are all yours.”

“You want to be a lady, for your own sake and that of your sister. I provide that immediately, to a degree few men can.”

I want to be a lady so Charles will be able to marry me.

He did have a point about Lily, though. Damn him. She would not let him disarm her.

“Your own family castigates you for your interests,” she said, triumphant when the idea came to her. “I’m not sure your reputation can provide what you offer.”

“I am the grandson of a duke. Nothing changes my blood. The benefits are not all mine. You pride yourself on being practical. Well, this is very practical, for both of us.”

“Perhaps too practical. You do not want to marry me. You want to marry my half of your enterprise. You are too conceited even to consider what would happen if your grand scheme is not successful. Then you may find yourself encumbered with a practical marriage long after it has outlived its usefulness.”

“Of course it will be successful.”

“Not if my voice is silenced due to this marriage, which no doubt is another reason for this proposal.”

He smiled, not kindly. “Do you truly believe that your judgment regarding this invention and its development is essential to the success of this enterprise? We are not talking about bonnets.”

“We are not talking about brilliant inventions either. Not anymore. The true potential is in the making of this device, and its use, and I do believe that my judgment is necessary there.”

“Zeus, but you are impossible.”

He stood abruptly and walked away five paces. Hands on hips he looked to the sky, then down to the ground. She knew he was containing his temper. Since her own voice had raised, she was glad for the respite so she could collect herself too.

“You are being stubborn,” he said. “Think of your intentions for your life, and for your sister’s life. This enterprise is central to my future, but not to yours.” She could not deny that this marriage would ensure Lily’s future. He offered her his station and pedigree. His blood. There was no comparison between being the grandson and cousin of a duke and being a well-to-do gentleman like Charles. Even if most of society scorned her for her blood, a good number would probably still at least tolerate her, if only to get closer to Hollinburgh. She knew what most women in her position would do.

Most women would grab this chance and hope for the best. But Charles’s face hovered in her mind, and she saw little else when she gazed inward. Her heart yearned to have its way. She did not want to