Perhaps he was a genius after all. It would take some ingenuity to find the sex appeal in a can opener.
“So, let me see if I’ve got this right,” Luna said slowly. “This Tom Doorhandler has no money, but hopes your steel inheritance will help him get his sexy can openers manufactured and on the market.”
“He tells me, when it works, he’ll be able to pay me back a hundred times whatever I put in!”
“Ifit works.”
“Yes. That’s what I said, isn’t it?”
“But your parents would prefer that you marry the Duke of Woolfwood.”
Eugenia sighed and slumped in her chair, swirling the last sip of her tea absently. “Yes, well he’stitledyou see.”
“Rich?”
“Very.”
“So not after your fortune then?”
“He could always be richer, couldn’t he?”
Luna had to give the young woman credit for insight there. “Do you have any particular objection to the man himself?”
“Well . . .”
“Yes?”
“His nose.”
“Yes?”
“It is considered the proud dignity of the Woolfwoods.”
“Yes?”
“It even features on their coat of arms.”
“Indeed?”
“It is . . .rather prominent.”
“I see. Anything else?”
“No. I suppose not. He’s pleasant enough. Congenial. Amusing. Good dancer.”
“But not . . . sexy?” Luna guessed. And mentally added,Like a can opener.She hastily took a sip of tea to stifle a snort.
“No,” Eugenia sighed. She downed the last of her own tea then and stared into the dregs, as though she might discern her future for herself.
“So your choice, as you see it then,” Luna pressed, “is to marry the man you like, at risk that he may only be after you for your fortune, or to marry the duke with the title, at risk of your children inheriting his prominent proboscis.”
“Exactly.” The young miss held out her teacup for Luna to take. “Can you help me, Miss Talbot? I’m so afraid of making a terrible mistake!”
Luna set aside her own cup and saucer and accepted Eugenia’s. “Remember,” she cautioned, “I see only glimpses. They may or may not prove helpful. Or hopeful. They will simply be what they are.”
“I understand.” Eugenia took a shuddering breath and squeezed her hands together. “Any guidance will be appreciated!”
Sutton uttered thebarestof huffs. Luna ignored her, however, and swirled the contents of Eugenia’s teacup clockwise thrice and counter twice. Then she peered inside.
