Page 59 of Starlight and the Duke
“If you must know, I would sooner choose Lord Pershing than you.”
Rob shook his head. “What?That man is utterly lacking in moral fiber.”
“Yes, I know,” she said, finally smiling. “But his uncle happens to be one of the directors of the British Museum and one of the wealthiest men in England. Yes, Lord Pershing is a miscreant in every respect. But this is what makes him the perfect choice for me. He cannot get his hands on my funds because of the way my grandmother set up my inheritance.”
“So, you are going to use him to get close to his uncle and further your scholarly pursuits?”
“Aren’t these Society matches all about using each other to further one’s goals? You will easily find someone else to marry you. Any other woman in England would leap at the chance to be your duchess. But as for me, I would rather have Pershing.”
He let out a breath. “I am most grateful for your honesty.”
She eyed him curiously. “Yes, I see that you are. You are taking this news exceedingly well. In truth, you look relieved. Does this mean you are in love with someone else?”
Rob was not going to answer that. It was his turn to remain silent.
“And she is denied to you? I am sorry for you, then. As for me, I am determined to fight for what I want.”
Rob was not certain he admired her motives, but he could not deny the logic of her plan. Pershing would go on as he was, destroying himself with every vice set before him, while Eloisepursued her scholarly dreams not bothered by his debauched style of living. They would never have to see each other again after their wedding.
A match made in heaven.
And since Pershing was actually well connected, Eloise’s siblings would also gain the advantage of a tie to that powerful family.
What would Fiona say to this surprising turn of events?
“I hope you succeed,” he said sincerely. “But I will also offer a word of caution.”
Eloise winced. “Not you, too. I hear this daily from my family.”
“Then you shall hear it from me as well, because it is important. Do not get caught up in the challenge or the importance of defying your family’s wishes. You may live to regret your choice once you win and have your way.”
“My grandmother often gave me the same lecture before she passed on,” she said, casting him a wry smile. “I assure you, this is not a mistake I will ever make. You might understand if you are ever fortunate enough to find the true matching half to your heart.”
He had found it in Fiona. No two hearts were a better fit.
“Lady Eloise, aconcept, even one as noble as higher learning, is not the same thing. A mere concept does not have a heart, and therefore cannot qualify as a mate to yours.”
“And who declared this to be a rule? Why must my matching half be a person? Why can it not be a thing?”
Rob shrugged. “A thing does not have feelings. A thing cannot cry or laugh or breathe. Nor can it be a voice of conscience.”
He thought of Fiona, who was a bundle of feelings, too many of them raw at the moment. If she had a fault, it could be said that shefelteverything too strongly.
But he loved this compassionate side to her. She was his match. It was something he felt in his bones and to the depths of his soul. No logic involved. Justknowingthat everything was right with the world whenever she was beside him.
He wanted to be that person for Fiona, too. The one she turned to for comfort, to hold her through her tears. The one to share her joys.
“Lady Eloise, if you wish to call an end to our hunting for scavenger articles, I will not mind.”
“No, let’s get through this or we shall disappoint our hostess. Now that I have made my position clear, what need is there to run off? Unless…are you terribly irritated with me?”
“I am not in the least irritated.”
She finally gave a genuine laugh. “Should I be insulted?”
He grinned. “I did not mean it as an insult. I just appreciate honesty whenever it is offered. It happens so rarely.”
“I agree.”
