Page 58 of Bargaining for the Barrister
“You have?” Her hand went to her neck, and she fingered her fichu.
He planted his feet squarely and imagined himself at the bar in the Old Bailey. “Yes. And there’s something I must say. I know about your matchmaking efforts with Miss Cox and me, and I must insist it ends this moment.”
“You know?” She glanced at his father for help.
“He’s a smart boy,” his father said. “But I would have thought he’d have caught on sooner.”
Paul was taken aback. “You were in on this too?”
His father chuckled and sat back in his seat, rubbing absently at his sideburns. “I don’t think a match has ever occurred without a little scheming on someone’s part. And you have to admit Miss Cox is as sweet as they come and easy on the eyes. I wouldn’t waste any time, son.”
Paul stared in disbelief. “Then, you also know about Mr. Turner and the rumors traveling the neighborhood about Miss Cox and me. Hasn’t that woman been subjected to enough hardship? Let the poor thing return home. You know I have a career I’m pursuing.” Even as he said it, he wasn’t ready for Louisa to disappear from his life. He sighed. He wasn’t ready to stop her from leaving either.
“A wife isn’t meant to be a hindrance to your plans, Paul.” Mama put out her hands as if grasping for what to say next. Suddenly she pointed to him. “Haven’t you ever heard of a woman’s intuition? We sort of sense these kinds of things, just like we know when to serve your favorite meal or when to check on a mischievous child. This singular sentience is how a mother knows when a son is in need of a wife.”
Paul chewed on his lip. He didn’t want to hurt his mother’s feelings, but her intuition was colored by her romantic imagination.
His father leaned forward in his seat. “I might not have the same sensibilities of a woman, but I know a compliment or two, dancing with them—those sorts of things—are a sure way to please them.”
Paul scowled. They weren’t taking his point. “It isn’t going to work, Papa.”
“Nonsense! These days a man can’t hardly get a woman alone, and you accomplished that right off. I’d say you’re well on your way to securing her.” Papa’s proud smile was going to haunt him later, wasn’t it?
Mama set her hand atop his father’s, clearly sharing his ill-placed enthusiasm. “A stolen kiss or two never hurt a couple either.” She giggled.
Paul’s patience left him. “Mama!” This was the second time he’d raised his voice to her, and the sound seemed to reverberate around the small study. The smiles fled his parents’ faces, but at least they were finally listening. No matter what he decided to do about Louisa, his parents’ influence only complicated things. He cleared his throat, checking his tone. “I appreciate your desire to help, but I’m asking for this one favor. Please, please, do not interfere in this again.”
Tears swam in his mother’s eyes. He’d known resisting at all would dash their hopes, and it pained him to do it. His parents had had their share of hard times, and they’d given him far more than he deserved. Couldn’t he do this one thing for them? He was about to beg their pardon when his father spoke.
“Son, your determination is admirable, but what your mother is saying deserves your consideration. Work will never satisfy like a relationship can.”
His father’s words tightened the unseen vise around his chest, reminding him of the hold his past had on him. No relationship would ever satisfy until he proved himself to be a worthy partner. His parents’ disappointment would fade with time as Paul’s success heightened. Only then could he finally attest to himself that he was worthy to be a Sheldon—to be a human worth anything.
“I will work harder, Papa,” he finally said. “To be worthy of such a relationship.” He pivoted, leaving his parents to resign themselves to his wishes.
Chapter 26
Nancy finished twisting Louisa’s hairand pinning it into place when a second maid knocked on the door.
“Lady Kellen is requesting your presence to say goodbye to Mr. Davies and his sister.”
Louisa stared at her reflection in the mirror, her wide eyes now fully awake. “Did she say why they were leaving so soon?”
“Yes, miss. Their mother is ill and has requested their return home.”
If, in truth, their mother was ill, Louisa was sorry for it, but she was certain this was Paul’s doing. Why would he go to such lengths for her when she had not agreed to tell him what he’d requested to know in return? If he continued to be so kind, he’d only cement himself further in her heart. “Thank you. I shall be right down.”
The maid left, and Nancy began tidying up Louisa’s things. Louisa stood from behind her dressing table and searched for her shawl.
“Nancy, have you seen my lace shawl?” As soon as the question left her lips, she saw it tucked on her bedside table under the book she’d been reading. “Never mind; it’s just here.”
What was this? On top of her book was a letter with her name in neat scrawl across the front. Who had put it there and when? Curiosity urged her to open it right away, but since the others were waiting, Louisa tucked the note into her reticule to read later and covered her arms with her shawl.
Once outside, several larks greeted her with their morning songs, joining the celebratory departure of the Davieses.
Louisa went first to Geraldine, who stood by the door of the readied carriage, beside her brother and Lady Kellen.
“My best wishes to your mother,” Louisa said, dipping a curtsy.
