His mother clasped her hands together. “That is most generous of you, Emma,” she remarked. “My lady’s maid can make the alterations, if needed.”
A bright smile came to Emma’s face. “It is all settled, then,” she declared. “Miss Bentley will spend the Season with us.”
Roswell had a sneaking suspicion that Emma was being so agreeable just to spite him. She couldn’t possibly think this was a good idea.
“I have no objections,” Charles said as he reached for his teacup.
“Wonderful.” His mother turned her attention towards her eldest. “Roswell?”
He shook his head. “I believe this to be a foolhardy idea,” he said. “We know nothing about Miss Bentley or her disposition.”
“Do you suppose Miss Bentley has evil intentions?” Emma asked, amusement in her voice.
“No, but she might not be as agreeable as you are hoping for.”
“It is a chance I am willing to take,” Emma replied.
Knowing he was outnumbered, Roswell conceded. “You can do as you please, but I have no intention of being involved in this madness.”
“I assumed as much,” his mother responded.
Roswell leaned back in his chair. “I worry this will fail spectacularly.”
“How so?”
“Does Miss Bentley even have a dowry?” he questioned.
His mother shook her head. “I must assume not, given the circumstances.”
“Who would marry a young woman with no dowry?”
“There are gentlemen in possession of sizeable incomes who might be willing to overlook Miss Bentley’s lowly status,” Emma argued.
“That is rare, and you know it,” Roswell pressed.
Emma jutted out her chin. “I contend it is not impossible,” she declared. “Love matches do still exist in our circles.”
Roswell stared at his sister in disbelief. “You truly cannot be that naïve.”
“You are just being a naysayer,” Emma said. “Miss Bentley is still the daughter of a viscount. That must account for something.”
“I contend that you are giving Miss Bentley false hope.”
“In what way?” his mother asked.
“Miss Bentley should be aspiring for a position as a companion,” Roswell said. “No sensible man will marry a woman without a dowry.”
“I hope to prove you wrong, brother,” Emma stated.
Roswell cast a frustrated gaze towards Charles. “Please say you agree with me on this.”
Charles put his hands up. “I’m staying out of this one.”
His mother’s voice drew Roswell’s attention back. “Regardless, I already wrote a letter to Alice and informed her that we will host Miss Bentley for the Season.”
“You already wrote the letter?” Roswell repeated in surprise.
“Of course,” his mother replied. “I was confident that everyone would be in agreement on the matter.”
