Page 13 of Impeccable
“Not really. He doesn’t give a fig what I do.”
Evie shifted herself toward him, careful not to jostle Ash too much. “So, you’d ‘ultimately’ like to wed. I had the sense you might wish to do other things first. Is that true?”
“Perhaps. I don’t really know. I just know that I see myself married at some point. With children. And a dog.” He tossed her a grin that made her breath catch.
Ignoring her body’s reaction to him, she kept her mind focused. Or tried to anyway. “You mentioned a career in architecture, but that your father steered you toward the church. Are you ordained?”
“No. My father was hoping I would take that step this year.”
“You sound hesitant.”
He exhaled, his mouth pulling into a slight frown. “My father’s fondest wish was that I become a bishop.”
“It doesn’t sound as if you shared that hope.”
“I did consider it. I also studied the law. The truth is that I like to learn. I taught at Oxford for a year, and I enjoyed that.”
“You haven’t mentioned architecture.”
“I studied it, but not officially. I was quite content in the law, actually. I was called to the bar, but I didn’t end up practicing.”
She heard the regret in his voice. “Was that because of your father?” she asked softly.
He narrowed one eye at her with a quick look. “You’re very astute. Yes. He’d already had discussions with people about me becoming a bishop. Not immediately, of course, but the path was laid.”
“Astonishing,” Evie muttered, feeling suddenly sour. The privilege given to people who were already born with every advantage was extraordinary. And yet it could disappear in a moment if things went badly. She’d been born with the same privilege until it had become a liability. Then she and her family had been forced to live in poverty and anonymity. She was alive, however, unlike her parents, and for that she was grateful.
“But you aren’t going to follow that path,” Evie said. “Can you change your mind about the bar?”
“I don’t know. I think I might actually like to work in a government post. I thought about trying for a seat in the House of Commons, but I like our representative and don’t wish to challenge him.”
“I’m sure you could find a rotten borough to purchase,” she said sardonically.
He gasped. “You can’t imagine I’d do such a thing?” His exaggerated expression when he turned his head toward her indicated he was jesting.
“I don’t, which I think you realize. And that makes you remarkable—at least in your class.”
“You sound cynical,” he observed.
“Am I wrong?”
“Probably not. It’s a shame that’s the case, however.” He shook his head.
“You like to believe the best of people, don’t you?”
“Until they’ve proven there’s no point in doing so. I do not waste my energy on those who don’t deserve it.”
Evie wondered if he was referring to his brother. “When you return to London, I’ll arrange for you to speak with Lucien and a few other gentlemen—possibly his brother Lord Aldington, though he recently became a father for the first time, so he may be away from town, and his good friend Lord Overton. They are in the Lords and could recommend you for positions.”
“I am not sure Overton would want to help me. I was almost courting his wife for a short time.”
“He’s not the sort to hold a grudge. Anyway, he is happily married to her, and you are not,” she added with a playful smile.
A sharp laugh burst forth from Lord Gregory’s lips. “You wound me.” He reached over and brushed his fingertips against her pelisse. “Not really.”
He’d grazed her, and there’d been layers of clothing, yet she’d felt the connection as if he’d touched her bare flesh. She ignored the ripple of awareness that passed through her. “If you’re truly interested in a government position, those gentlemen can likely make it happen.” Once again, privilege would ensure victory.
“I appreciate your assistance. Why are you so interested in helping me?”
