Page 18 of The Duke's Stolen Heart
“The law of inheritance through the male line.”
“I see. We Americans have our own version.” A bitterness he could not decipher crept into her voice. “On either continent, women are excluded from property ownership. Not that being able to own anything in my own right would have changed anything for me. My family doesn’t have a pot to piss in.”
Malcolm couldn’t summon the energy to be shocked by her vulgar language. “It isn’t entirely true. There are allowances for women to own property. Some titles are passed down through the female line. Not mine, and not many.”
“I fail to see why this is relevant to me.” Antonia swept ahead. “I am no aristocrat, only a nameless hanger-on.”
“Miss Lowry…if we are to continue meeting like this, I want to know your true name.”
“Well, Malcolm,” Miss Lowry cast him a gaze with a glint of steel. “We don’t always get what we want, do we?”
Applause rose. If she wished to slip back into the box, unnoticed by anyone but the Evendaws, now was her opportunity. Malcolm bowed. “But I will. This time, you will do as I command, Miss Lowry.”
Her nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed indignantly, but for once, Miss Lowry did not contradict him.
