Page 15 of A Literary Liaison
“Yes, tell us, Elisha,” Amelia said with a grin. “What qualities do you wish for?”
“Intelligence,” Elisha managed. “Integrity. A love of literature would be… agreeable.”
“All qualities my brother possesses in abundance,” Amelia declared with the subtlety of a charging bull. “Wouldn’t you agree, Steven?”
“Amelia,” Elisha hissed.
“What? I’m simply stating facts.”
Mr. Thornton, to his credit, seemed more amused than offended by his sister’s matchmaking attempts. “Perhaps we might continue this discussion at greater length, Miss Linde. Perhaps over tea next week?”
The invitation was delivered with businesslike directness—polite,appropriate. Elisha found herself appreciating his restraint even as Amelia practically bounced in her seat with excitement.
“I… that is very kind of you, Mr. Thornton.”
“Wonderful!” Amelia exclaimed. “I’m sure you’ll find much to discuss.”
Elisha resisted the urge to roll her eyes. How to delicately navigate her employer’s advances while avoiding crushing her friend’s hopes?
“Well, that went splendidly!” Amelia declared as their hackney carried them home through London’s evening streets.
Elisha gave her friend a withering look. “Amelia Thornton, you have all the subtlety of a circus parade.”
“Whatever do you mean?”
“‘Not so independent as to be unmarriageable’? Really?”
Amelia had the grace to blush. “I was simply… highlighting your positive qualities.”
“You were serving me up like the evening’s main course.” Elisha shook her head, though she couldn’t quite suppress a smile. “Poor Mr. Thornton probably thinks I put you up to it.”
“Did you see how pleased he looked when you accepted his invitation?”
“He looked like a man conducting a business transaction. Which, knowing your brother, is probably exactly what it was.”
Amelia’s face fell slightly. “You don’t find him agreeable?”
“He’s perfectly agreeable,” Elisha said gently, mindful of her friend’s feelings. “Intelligent, successful, well-mannered. Any woman would be fortunate to receive his attention.”
“But?”
“But he approaches personal matters with the same calculation he applies to business ventures. There’s nothing wrong with that—it’s simply not what draws me.” Elisha paused thoughtfully. “When I think of genuine feeling, I think of spontaneity, vulnerability… the kind of honesty that takes courage to express.”
She thought briefly of Mr. Steele’s letter, his unexpected openness when describing his beloved.
As their carriage drew up before their lodgings, Elisha reflected that Mr. Thornton was undoubtedly a catch by any reasonable measure—the sort of practical marriage a woman in her position should be grateful to obtain. But practicality, Elisha was beginning to realize, might not be enough for her heart.
The Soirée Part 1
The grand drawingroom of Hereford House glittered with candlelight, flames dancing in gilded mirrors and across polished marble floors. Edgar paused in the doorway, automatically scanning the assembled crowd until his gaze found a familiar figure in azure silk.
Miss Linde stood near a marble column, her bearing markedly different from the affected poses of theton’sladies. There was a keen focus in her expression as she observed the gathering, though he noticed she kept glancing toward the gentlemen with what might have been professional assessment.
“Ah, Lancaster,” Hereford appeared at his side, champagne in hand. “Surveying the enemy forces, are we?”
“Enemy forces?” Edgar accepted a glass, though his attention remained on Miss Linde. “Rather dramatic for a literary evening, don’t you think?”
“My dear fellow, you clearly haven’t witnessed Lady Faulkner’s team preparations. The ladies have been meeting twice weekly, armed with more books than a lending library.” Hereford gestured toward where several ladies clustered around their formidable captain. “I fear we may be outgunned.”
