Page 101 of Sense and Suitability
He continued. “What do you consider... suitable?”
“I should think you are old enough to sort that out yourself.”
“I am, indeed.” He held her gaze. “But my definition of ‘suitable’ may not align with yours.”
Something flickered in her eyes—an awareness, perhaps, and then she sighed. “How so? Do you wish for someone to make Ravenscross a home instead of a crumbling stone pillar? Do you want someone who will raise the reputation of your family because of their character and family status? Do you wish for someone who will care for your siblings and protect them and the family’s name with as much intention as you?”
She didn’t mention money. Not once.
“Those are exactly the qualifications I’m seeking as well.”
She tilted her head, studying him, expression softening. “Simon, your attachment to Miss Lockhart and hers to you is plainly evident, but...” She paused, lowering her gaze for a moment before meeting his again. “Financially, she can offer you so little.”
“But as you’ve said before, money is only one piece of a larger puzzle in matrimony.”
“One piece formostmarriages.”
The implication cut.
“But you are not at liberty to follow your heart so easily.” Aunt Agatha searched his face with a calculating look. “Your responsibilities—”
“I take my responsibilities very seriously.” Simon’s tone was firm. “Not only have I increased financial gains for Ravenscross in a short period of time, but my business ventures are showing steady growth. If given enough time, I could make Ravenscross independent of your support. As is right. I just needtime.”
Her silence seemed to halt the words she might have spoken, her lips pressed into a thin line. He continued, his voice soft but determined. “Money nor status brought my parents the satisfaction of a happy marriage, Aunt. I want more than that. I think Ravenscross needs more than that, and I am willing to work as hard as necessary in order to achieve that future with the right bride by my side.”
“And reputation? Your father maligned this legacy long before your cousin’s indiscretions came to light. Miss Lockhart’s influence is rather small in the larger pool of the social world.” She narrowed her eyes and then sighed. “I do not doubt her character, Simon, except perhaps when it comes to you.”
He opened his mouth to defend Emme, but Aunt Agatha raised a palm to stop him, her smile flickering on one corner. “No doubt your charms overcame her, I am sure. But the gossips are still quite attached to your pairing, in part, due to some mild indiscretions and clear partiality that you have for her.”
“I’m not ashamed of being partial to her.” He sat straighter in his chair. “I am partial to her. Utterly.”
Her hesitation threatened his confidence a little, but he rallied internally to plead his cause. He’d not give up so easily. This was the right choice.
“There is a great deal to overcome, as you well know, and I would prefer you choose a woman whose reputation was not only impeccable, but whose influence spanned a wider berth.”
“The influence that matters most is the one that happens inside these walls. Because that effect will carry beyond Ravenscross to impact years in the future.” Simon held her gaze. “And if I had the time and freedom to choose anyone in the world to influence the people who matter to me most within these walls, it would be her.”
She stared at him, her hands folded in her lap and posture impeccable, and then without answering, she stood. Simon followed, readying to confirm her approval when her attention fell to the desk. There, nestled against the corner, wasSense and Sensibility, just where he had left it.
“You’re reading this?” She tapped the cover with her finger and looked over at him. “Surprising.”
“It was a recommendation from a trusted source.”
“Hmm...” She took the book in hand and flipped through the pages. “What on earth would propel a lady to risk her reputation in order to become a novelist? Such a dangerous undertaking in our world of social expectations.”
Strange, but Simon found himself defending the author. “Perhaps there was nothing else for it. She had a story to tell, and it must be told.”
“Well, at least the woman had the foresight to remain anonymous. For her family’s sake, if nothing else. Novelists—especially among the gentry—are rarely seen in a favorable light. All those absurd tales of pirates and... undead.” She shuddered slightly.
“I think, Aunt Agatha”—Simon drew in a breath—“you’d actually enjoy this one. It’s a look at regular life among the gentry. No pirates in sight. And you’d appreciate the humor, I think.”
“Humor?” She glanced back at the book and, for the briefest moment, hesitated before placing it gently back on the desk. Simon noted the subtle shift, a quiet indication that his words had stirred her curiosity.
“You might find it surprisingly refreshing. Perhaps I can finish it tonight and you can take it with you when you leave tomorrow.”
Aunt Agatha said nothing, but the silence between them felt like approval.
“Mrs. Patterson told me that she has never had a master show such gratitude to her as you have.” Her lips offered the smallest smile but enough to gentle her entire countenance.
