William spent much of the following day in a fog, struggling to follow his mother’s and Percy’s discussions around correspondence and various bills in the House of Lords.
He knew he needed to learn these things. If his father passed that day, Percy would still be involved in running the estate until he reached his majority, but ultimately there were dozens of servants and even more tenant farmers relying on his ability to keep the family’s holdings secure.
However, all he could focus on were memories of Charlotte’s lips, back, the slope of her neck meeting her shoulder, her delicate floral scent. He had not touched anything more than her hand, ankle, shoulders and lips. Yet he wanted her with every fiber of his being—his mind as much as his cock.
Already his two relatively tame intimate encounters with her excited him more than any sexual opportunities he’d had in the past. He’d read Ovid’sArs amatoriafor university and unconsciously followed the poet’s advice, finding what Charlotte liked and meeting her on that plane, then last night stepping back to allow her to miss him. He hoped it was the right balance. Hmm. He might be able to apply a few more ideas from the ancient Roman text.
After a long day, he dressed to meet Charlotte at the salon scheduled that evening. The topic was a more detailed discussion of steam engines, this talk about applying their use than the invention itself. Charlotte seemed most interested in the applications, in order to direct her financial interests.
As this paralleled his reason for attending such discussions, he hoped they could share knowledge—his more on the scientific side and hers on how best to manage the financial risk and return. He’d already followed her guidance in convincing his mother to invest in the further development of steam locomotive rail lines.
Back in her library, he asked, “What were your thoughts on this evening’s topic, Mistress?”
“I’d already read quite a bit about the use of steam power. The steam locomotive has proven successful in its first year, albeit expanding more slowly than I would have liked. But the ironworks are key for more than the railway tracks. The demand for iron seems to be growing as steamboats get larger, with longer range.”
“Steam-poweredships? Are they fast?”
“Combined with sails to supplement, apparently they are. Which mitigates the risk of loss to investors. They are also larger and thus can carry more cargo or passengers.”
“Have you decided to invest?”
“Not yet. If you’d like, you may read the correspondence and a few newspaper articles I’ve saved, William. I’d be interested in your thoughts on the matter. Then if we both decide to invest, I can introduce you to my man of affairs.”
“Really?” He was surprised she valued his opinion on this. Poetry, even Applied Maths, certainly. But he was a university student and still learning to manage the small world he’d inherit. This was her area of expertise, and he was happy to follow her lead. “Thank you. I look forward to reporting back to you. However, you should know that I prefer to defer to you on investments. You have more experience with them, whilst I am still learning my way.”
She whipped her head around, her mouth agape, and stared at him.
“What?” he asked.
“You are willing to take my advice on financial matters? A woman? Someone without a degree?”
“What does gender have to do with it? As for a degree, other than the language barrier, you have studied far more than me or most of my peers, in addition to having real world knowledge.”
“William…” her voice caught and she turned her head away.
Realizing her emotions had gotten the best of her, he wished to help her regain her equilibrium. Despite his anger at their society that made his deference surprising, he teased, “Mistress, I am always prepared to follow your lead. If I might demonstrate in the bedroom?”
She twisted around to give him a quelling look.
He winked at her, and her lips quirked in a small smile. His mother being a strong role model made him more receptive to the type of relationship he was trying to forge with Charlotte. But she might not know his family’s situation.
“You know about my father’s preference for drink over responsibility. Percy helps whilst I am away at university, but my mother has taken over much of Father’s duties.”
“Ah. I see,” she said, nodding.
“Father dabbles in investing. Frankly, Mama and I would rather he did not and try to stop it whenever possible, as his judgment is impaired. Mama hasn’t the time or opportunity to learn about investing. So much of that is learned through casual conversation at the clubs.”
“Ah, yes, men and their clubs, where most important conversation is held, ensuring women are excluded.”
“I hadn’t thought of it like that. But you are right, I can imagine it is frustrating.”
“I am resigned to it, although the attitude of superiority is annoying. The intellectual salons help, and Charles and I made our decisions together, so I never felt like I was missing out.” She turned the subject back to his family. “Does your mother mind having to juggle all of that?”
He cocked his head. “Honestly, I do not know. She takes it all in stride, although she is grateful to have me home for the summer to help.”
“Hmm…I suspect her happiness is not simply about you helping with the accounts.” Charlotte smiled.
He was still frowning, his thoughts on his parents. Grinding his teeth, he banked the anger that surged whenever he considered his father’s irresponsible behavior. His tone reflecting his frustration, he said, “I cannot fathom how it all came to be. She never angers, even when he is at his worst. At least as much as I can see.”
