Page 94 of A Literary Liaison
“Well, brother,” Edmund commenced, his usual mischievous tone replaced with something more serious, “how go your business negotiations with Mr. Hargrove? There’s a rumor you’re courting the man’s daughter rather than pursuing a coaching contract.”
Eva’s eyes sparkled with knowing mischief. “Indeed, Edgar. Your frequent meetings with the Hargroves, combined with your rather obvious avoidance of Miss Hargrove at the ball, has some speculating you’re trying too hard to keep your courtship a secret.”
The duchess set aside her china teacup with a delicate clink, her piercing gaze fixed on her eldest son. Though her features remained composed, there was curiosity rather than disapproval in her voice. “I must confess, your strategy perplexes me, Edgar. If business is your sole objective with the Hargroves, why risk encouraging speculation about romantic entanglements?”
Edgar exhaled deeply, realizing he could no longer evade the conversation. “The Hargrove negotiations are more delicate than theyappear. Mr. Hargrove has certain expectations about potential family connections that I’ve been carefully neither encouraging nor discouraging.”
“You mean he’s hoping you’ll offer for his daughter,” Eva said with characteristic bluntness.
“Precisely. And while I have no intention of doing so, maintaining his hope serves our business interests. The coaching contract could be worth fifty thousand pounds annually.”
A heavy silence descended upon the chamber as the family absorbed the implications. The duchess broke it with a thoughtful observation.
“And yet at the ball, you barely acknowledged the young lady. Surely such obvious disinterest sends its own message?”
“That was unintentional,” Edgar admitted, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I found it impossible to feign interest at the risk of hurting Miss Linde.”
His sisters exchanged knowing looks, their earlier concern transforming into something closer to sympathy and understanding.
“Ah,” Eva said with dawning comprehension. “You’re caught between business necessity and personal inclination.”
“Meanwhile,” Edwin observed with a growing grin, “you did a sufficient job of appearing content during your single, perfunctory dance with Miss Hargrove.”
“I’m pleased I managed that much,” Edgar said, his voice strained with evident discomfort. “I felt immensely guilty toward Miss Linde, but the Hargrove contract is crucial to our other interests.”
The duchess’ eyes sharpened with curiosity. “Other interests?”
Edgar nodded grimly. “Something I need to discuss with you separately. But I confess, maintaining this pretense grows more difficult by the day.”
Edmund leaned forward with genuine concern. “But what of the aftermath, brother? Mr. Hargrove may be expecting a declaration thatwill never come. Such disappointed expectations could prove costly.”
“What course of action do you intend to pursue?” Essie asked cautiously. “You cannot indefinitely maintain this charade without either offering for the lady or severely damaging business relations.”
Edgar thought about what Elisha had witnessed—Miss Hargrove exiting his townhouse, disheveled. He was glad the lady wouldn’t be too heartbroken when he ended their association, though he wasn’t at liberty to divulge this information. “I am cognizant of the risks. My hope is to secure the contract soon, after which I can gracefully withdraw from any personal entanglements. But the negotiations have proven more protracted than anticipated.”
“And what of Miss Linde in all this?” the duchess asked, her voice laden with maternal concern. “The poor dear must be wondering at your behavior, regardless of your true intentions.”
“Does she understand the situation?” Essie asked with genuine worry. “It would be cruel indeed to leave her in ignorance of your business machinations.”
“Most importantly,” Eva added thoughtfully, “I did notice her in Mr. Thornton’s company rather more than strictly necessary at the ball. Perhaps she’s taking precautions of her own.”
Edgar’s jaw tightened at the mention of Thornton, but he forced himself to answer calmly. “Miss Linde is fully apprised of my situation. I explained the business necessity during our private conversation.”
“And she acquiesced to this arrangement?” Edmund asked, clearly impressed.
“Indeed, she did. Though I suspect the deception pains her as much as it does me. While I am grateful for your intentions regarding this gathering, Mother, I confess I shall be relieved when tonight’s performance concludes and I may return to Tunbridge Wells where Elisha and I need not maintain this tiresome pretense.”
“I must confess, I find myself rather impressed,” the duchess remarked, her stern countenance softening considerably. “It is no smallfeat for a young woman to comprehend such intricate business maneuvering from her intended, regardless of its necessity. Many would succumb to insecurity and jealousy.”
Edgar regarded his mother with cautious optimism. “Am I to infer that you approve of Miss Linde as my future bride?”
The duchess chuckled softly, shaking her head with what might have been admiration. “Impressive indeed… and cleverly done,” she murmured under her breath. Meeting her eldest son’s eager gaze, she declared, “You have my blessing, provided your affections for her are sincere and unwavering and your siblings offer their approval as well.”
Overcome with emotion and relief, Edgar rushed forward to embrace his mother. As he released her, she raised her chin, her voice gentle yet firm. “You must seek your brothers’ and sisters’ consent. If we cannot elevate Miss Linde’s popularity, their prospects may be adversely affected.”
Edgar turned to face his family, meeting each of their gazes in turn. Edmund and Edwin nodded their assent readily, while Essie declared with conviction, “Your happiness is worth any sacrifice, dear brother.”
Eva, in a display of unbridled enthusiasm, clapped her hands and flung herself into Edgar’s arms. “You have endured such prolonged suffering for the past five years. I yearn to see you content at last.” Edgar stroked her hair tenderly, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat.
