Page 31 of Romancing the Heiress
“I understand. And I agree that your grandfather would have fought that.” Tom pressed his lips together. “Bloody difficult situation, Phin. Are you going to give it some thought at least?”
“What do I know of operating such an enterprise? Someone would have to manage it. That is not something at which I am skilled. I’m grateful to have you as steward dealing with the estate.” Phin looked directly at Tom. “And no, I’m not asking you take on managing the gardens as well.”
“I didn’t think you were.”
“I’d have to charge enough to pay the person who would oversee that aspect.” Phin massaged his temple. “This is making my head ache.”
“Too bad we can’t think of a way to bring in a small pile of money to get that enterprise started.”
“Such as a dowry?” Phin asked.
Tom’s gaze sharpened on him. “Is that what you’ve been doing courting that young lady? I hear you’ve been promenading with her through the gardens and dancing with her every night.”
“She’s an heiress.”
Blowing out a breath, Tom fixed him with an earnest stare. “Think long and hard about that. Marriage is a lifetime commitment, and you won’t want to feel trapped in a union you didn’t really want.”
“Why do you assume I don’t want to marry her?”
“I don’t,” Tom said somewhat hurriedly. “I don’t know her at all. Does your grandmother?”
“Yes, Miss Selkirk came for tea. Gran liked her very much. Miss Selkirk plays the pianoforte brilliantly. Indeed, we played a duet. It was charming.” That much was true. Phin would look forward to sharing music with her.
And what else?
“That’s something, then,” Tom said. “Just promise me you’ll be sure about it before you propose. Isn’t there something more you can sell?”
“I already sold the livestock we didn’t need and the few paintings that were worth anything.” That hadn’t been much. Phin refused to sell his mother’s jewelry. Not only would it rightfully distress Gran, those pieces belonged to his daughter, should he be blessed with one or more.
Phin straightened his shoulders. “The heiress plan will have to work. I like Miss Selkirk and can certainly grow to love her.” How awful that sounded. He hadn’t really spent much time thinking of marriage. He was still young and assumed he’d meet a woman with whom he’d fall in love. Preferablybeforebecoming leg shackled.
“You should marry a woman you love, not one you may in the future.” Tom gave Phin a pointed look. “Or may not.”
“As it happens, I am not currently in love with a woman, so that is not an option.”
Tom narrowed his eyes at him and said nothing for a moment. It was almost as if he was waiting for Phin to realize he was in love with someone and had simply forgotten.
Ultimately, Tom grunted. “If you’re certain this is the right course, I won’t stop you. But I can’t promise not to remind you of this conversation and my reservations at some point to come.” He clapped Phin on the shoulder. “I’m only trying to guide you, as your father and grandfather would have. I also don’t wish to overstep, so I’ll be quiet now. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Phin watched the man leave and wondered at his odd behavior. Why would he think Phin was in love with someone? No, it couldn’t have been that. He just wanted Phin to have that chance, likely because Tom and Marjorie enjoyed a close and loving marriage. They were wonderful to behold, actually, a true inspiration. It was really too bad Phin wasn’t going to emulate them.
Leah surged to the front of his mind once more. Not because he would—or could—consider marrying her, but because of that unforgettable kiss.
How was he going to banish that from his thoughts?
Well, she’d be gone soon—when the festival ended. Except if his plans came to fruition, he’d be betrothed to her charge. And damn if that wouldn’t be awkward.
“Ican’t believe my mother gave me a list of gentlemen to dance with,” Genevieve whispered to Leah as they’d walked into the botanical gardens that night. Now, more than an hour later, Genevieve had already struck two of them off the list, including Phin.
Watching them dance together, laughing and smiling, had made Leah’s insides twist until she thought she might toss up her accounts. The jealousy she’d fought against since the day Genevieve had met Phin was impossible to ignore or dispel. All because of the kiss she and Phin had shared earlier that day.
Every emotion she’d felt toward Phin had intensified, and that included frustration. He’d finally seen her as a woman, had desired her…and now he was acting as if it had never happened.
Just like when they’d been children.
Back then, she’d been guilty of the same, acting as if their kiss hadn’t really occurred. She could, and should, do the same now.
He hadn’t even lingered to speak with her after dancing with Genevieve. He’d inclined his head toward her while avoiding eye contact. Leah had never felt more awful.
