Page 141 of A Heart of Bluestone

“Eric Harling,” he says.

My eyes bug out of my head.

Eric?

Eric put an offer on me?

No, he didn’t just put an offer on my contract. He wrote a fucking letter to my father, like an actual suitor, like he’s someone in courtship with me.

But he’s with Asta…

He’s fucking her.

And then flirting with me… And then cold towards me.

A frown twists my face.

He’s a fortune hunter, Serena said.

All the gentry are, for the most part. It’s not my money, so much, that Eric is after. More the network I come with, the connection to the Cravens. A marriage to me will elevate his whole family to our rank if he plays the game right.

But… he likes me, too.

I’m sure of it.

It’s only appropriate to send a letter of that kind if he feels affection for me.

He approaches my contract the way a courtship suitor would, not one of convenience.

So Father asks the obvious, “How familiar are you with Eric Harling?”

He knows all about ourrolling around in the snow. Called me not so long ago to chew me out about that. Then of course he pays for the tutoring, so that’s no surprise to him that we are spending time together.

I use that.

“We’ve just… been around each other more this year,” I say as unsurely as I feel. “I guess we’re getting closer—I like him, if that’s what you’re asking. He would be good. Kind. He would treat me fairly.”

“Fairly,” Father echoes, not unkindly.

“Are you considering him?”

“Perhaps.”

My mind flickers with the silhouette image of a monopoly man with a comical moustache and a bulging midsection. The faceless, nameless aristos man who inquired after my contract.

“What about the aristos you said you were talking to?”

Father’s sigh is curt. “I have not had word from him in some weeks. I did tell you it was only an inquiry.”

The relief tugs a breath from me.

So this mysterious aristos has decided against me, or has forgotten all about me. But Eric, with perfect timing, has written to my father about how much he likes me, what he likes about me.Personalised.

He might have a shot.

For Father to mention him specifically, by name no less, then ask me about my relationship with him, yes, it’s fair to say Eric has become a frontrunner.

But Father will stew on it. He will take his time, consider all the consequences of marrying me off to a gentry.

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