It was hardly a searing reproof, but Eleanor flinched even so, and directed her gaze back down at her plate. All the happiness ofLord Henry’s compliment had faded away, like she’d known it would.
“But since we’re on the subject,” Charles said slowly, meeting first Louisa’s eye and then Jonathan’s, not glancing at Eleanor at all, “I suppose now is as good a time as any to announce that we are going into partnership with the esteemed Lord Henry Willenshire himself. The plans were finalized only today, which was why I was so very anxious at the office.”
Eleanor felt as if the breath had been stolen from her lungs.
“When… when did we decide that, Papa?” she managed, cutting off Jonathan’s vague congratulations and Louisa’s rambling. “We never talked about it.”
Charles sighed. “Eleanor, I knew you would do this. She’s taken a dislike to the man, you see.”
“Not powerful enough to avoid showing him her sketches, it would seem,” Louisa mumbled into her wine glass. Eleanor pretended not to hear. She shifted to face her father more fully.
“Taking on a business partner is a serious thing, Papa. We cannot bring on a new partner on a whim. You never spoke to me about your intentions. Of course, I knew you were considering it, but why was I not there at the finalization? Why did you not breathe a word until it was done?”
Charles set down his wine glass with aclack.
“I did not tell you, Eleanor, because I did not think it was your concern what decisions I make in regard to the business.”
“Ourbusiness,” Eleanor pressed, ignoring the sharp tone in her father’s voice. “Don’t I have a say in it, too?”
“Frankly, no, you do not.”
There was a tense moment of silence. Eleanor recoiled, the harsh words going right to her heart, sticking there like a splinter.
Charles’ stony expression wavered. He sighed, reaching forward to place his hand on hers.
“Oh, darling, don’t look at me like that. I knew you’d be upset. But don’t you see, now is the perfect time to start reducing the time and energy you spend in the business. Now that Lord Henry is here, he can take on a great deal of your duties.”
“But I don’t want to reduce the time and energy I spend in the business,” Eleanor managed. “I like being a part of it. I thought you knew that, Papa.”
Tears were starting to prick at her eyes, and she blinked hard, willing herself not to cry, not to break down and sob at the table in front of everyone. Opposite her, Jonathan was staring down at his lap, clearly wishing he was anywhere but here.
Louisa, however, was leaning forward, face intent. It struck Eleanor then that her sister did not look surprised.
“You knew,” she gasped, rounding on her. “You knew that Papa was bringing on Lord Henry as partner and pushing me out.”
Louisa rolled her eyes. “You are so dramatic, Eleanor. You are not beingpushed out. However, it’s fairly obvious that a lady can’t continue working in a business with her father, not at your age. It’s all very well when you’re very young, or perhaps old and maybe widowed, but now? Now is the worst possible time to lose focus of what really matters.”
“And what really matters, Louisa? Do tell me.”
Before she asked the question, Eleanor realized belatedly that she already knew the answer.
Louisa sighed heavily. “The Season, of course. You can’t do both, you silly thing.”
“Well, then, I will drop out of the Season.”
“Nonsense,” Charles said firmly, patting her hand. “The Season is your best chance at a real life, my dear. Do you want to live with me forever, playing nursemaid?”
“I care about you, Papa. I’m happy to look after you.”
“And what about when I die, what then? Do you intend to be a burden on your sister and Jonathan? No, my dear, it’s decided. You must start thinking seriously about what you will do with your life. You are a pretty young woman, and I saw you at the party – there will be suitors, if you are interested. Lord Henry might even have connections which could help you. Louisa will be there to chaperone you.”
“I don’t want any of that, Papa,” Eleanor shot back, dashing a hand angrily across her eyes. Tears were welling up, despite her best efforts. She knew she looked hysterical, overly emotional, and plain silly, but she didn’t care. It wasn’t fair, it wasn’tright. “I can manage the business better than Lord Henry.”
Charles’ face twisted with sympathy. “I’m sure you believe you can, darling. I know how hard you work, and don’t think it has gone unnoticed. But I am your father, and it is my responsibility tomake difficult decisions that are in your best interests. You are not being banned from the office, and nor am I taking away your responsibilities. Once Lord Henry becomes active in our business, I’m sure things will gradually shift of their own accord, so I advise you to make peace with it. In time, I believe you’ll be glad that I did this. You’ll see that it was all for the best.”
“But, Papa…” Eleanor began again, but Louisa interrupted.
“That’s enough, sister. More than enough, don’t you think? You live under Papa’s roof, and it is his business. All of this is for you, you silly goose, don’t you see? Only an hour ago, you were so worried about Papa’s health I thought you might swoon yourself, but now you’re arguing with him like this. Do youwantPapa to be ill again?”
