Page 98 of Sense and Suitability
Information they really shouldn’t know, but Lottie’s keen observation and propensity for snooping left little to secrecy.
“And we know,” Lottie continued, “that you are under obligation to marry someone before the season is out in order to keep Aunt Aggie’s allowance.”
Why did this sort of conversation from his two younger siblings feel both humorous and highly inappropriate? Well, there was no use denying what they clearly knew. A reluctant chuckle bubbled up in Simon’s throat. “That is true, unfortunately.”
Lottie, ever the strategist, glanced at her brother, as though for reassurance, before continuing. “Well, we have a suggestion for you.”
Simon leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. “Do you now?”
“We don’t mind being poor,” Will offered with surprising conviction. The words struck Simon like a blow, a reminder of how much they’d already sacrificed. They weren’t destitute, of course. They had Aunt Aggie’s allowance, Simon’s inheritance from his mother, and what little he’d invested from his father’s remaining funds. In addition, his business ventures were each proving beneficial enough to truly make significant changes in their financial future. Slowly but significantly.
“And we don’t mind helping you by working hard.” Lottie foldedher hands in front of her. “But what wedomind is you making decisions to help all of us without considering that we have opinions on the matter.”
His brow shot high. “What decisions exactly?”
“Well, of course, the governess,” Lottie started, suddenly a bit uncertain. “Of which, you did ask our opinion.”
“And the tenants, which you’ve discussed with me,” Will offered.
Not truly his responsibility as yet, but Simon certainly appreciated the boy’s perspective.
“But there is the matter of a wife for you, Simon.” Lottie tipped her chin and studied him as if she’d brought a little of Aunt Agatha’s spirit into the room with her.
“And that decision needs your intervention as well?” He wasn’t sure whether to grin or groan.
He loved them. More than he’d even understood a year ago. They’d all born their heartache together, and even in their mishaps and misdirection, they were slowly rebuilding their family into something, he hoped, much healthier.
Something Arianna had needed before she’d decided to forfeit her future.
Something good.
“Well,wewon’t marry her,” Will stated, as if that had been an option.
“But we will be living with her,” Lottie added, her tone carrying the weight of a serious negotiation. “And between the two of us, we agree there is already a perfectly suitable option.”
Simon had an inkling where this was going—and wholly agreed with their recommendation—but offered noncommittally, “Really?”
“And it’s not the Selena woman,” Will burst out, his voice carrying surprising conviction. It even caught Lottie off guard.
“Miss Hemston?” Simon looked to each sibling. Why, of all people, did they mention Selena Hemston?
“But I told Will,” Lottie said, undeterred, “that you’re too smart to ever consider someone like her.”
Well, at least after all his blundering, his siblings still had some confidence in his mental faculties. “Why did you think Miss Hemston was even an option?”
Lottie and Will exchanged a look before Will spoke up. “She came by earlier today while you were out.”
“And stayed long enough to find out where you’d gone,” Lottie continued. “But it took her a good fifteen minutes because we wouldn’t tell her.”
“Because she wore a pretend smile and reminded me of Hamish.”
Simon narrowed his eyes at Will, attempting to match the reputedly beautiful Miss Hemston with their old, rather grumpy hound. Clearly, Will hadn’t grown enough into manhood to be distracted by peripheral things, because there were some qualities in Selena that reflected, quite well, Hamish’s personality. Ill-tempered being one.
“When Mrs. Patterson wouldn’t tell her and neither would we, she became angry,” Lottie continued, her arms folded across her chest in a most adultlike fashion.
“And Blast did jump on her dress,” Will offered, looking oddly unbothered by the entire incident.
“Then she screamed at Fia, who was just trying to catch him,” Lottie added with a touch of indignation.
