She had been right.
Why did he insist on having an opinion on everything? Elsbeth knew she was going to regret asking, but she did so anyway. “And why is that?”
“You are a beautiful young woman with much to offer theright man,” Alfred said with a smile, no doubt in an attempt to disarm her.
“The right man?” Elsbeth repeated, her voice tinged with disbelief. “In Town, I was mingling with lords and ladies. Now, I am the subject of village gossip and the pity of spinsters. Where exactly am I supposed to meet this so-called ‘right man’?”
Her mother sighed. “I know this has been an adjustment for you?—”
“An adjustment?” Elsbeth cut her off, her voice rising. “No, it has been an utter nightmare.”
“Let’s try to make the best out of it,” her mother attempted, her words edged with warning.
Fortunately, before Elsbeth could respond, the coach came to a stop in front of Lady Margaret’s grand whitewashed manor. The conversation was over… for now.
Once inside the manor, Elsbeth quickly slipped into the drawing room and spotted Lady Eugenie sitting on the settee, engrossed in a book.
Not wanting to linger near her stepfather or mother, Elsbeth rushed to Eugenie’s side and sat down.
Without looking up, Eugenie raised a finger. “One moment, please.”
After a long moment, Eugenie closed the book with a satisfied sigh and placed it in her lap. “I do apologize, but I hate leaving a section unfinished.”
“May I ask what you are reading?”
“Common Senseby Thomas Paine,” Eugenie replied.
Elsbeth’s brows rose in surprise. “Your brother allows you to read such a book?”
Eugenie looked amused by her question. “Mybrotherdoesn’t allow or disallow anything. I read what I like.”
“Are you not afraid of being labeled a bluestocking?”
“That is the goal, actually,” Eugenie replied with a twinkle in her eyes. “Following theton’s rules is dreadfully boring.”
Elsbeth glanced over her shoulder, making sure her mother was out of earshot. Lowering her voice, she asked, “Do you not wish to marry?”
“I am not opposed to the thought of marriage, but I refuse to change who I am to do so,” Eugenie said, leaning back in her seat. “What do you read?”
“I hardly read,” Elsbeth admitted.
Eugenie gasped. “How do you occupy your time?”
“The usual pursuits, I suppose.”
“How disappointing. I doubt we can be friends,” Eugenie teased. “I require all my friends to read a book a day.”
“A book a day?” Elsbeth repeated. “Is that even possible?”
“It is entirely possible, but you must commit to it,” Eugenie said, handing her the book. “Start with this.”
Elsbeth put her hands up. “I couldn’t. Perhaps I should start small and read another, less controversial book.”
Eugenie placed the book down onto the table. “Very well. Pick a book, but we will discuss it afterward.”
“I am not a very fast reader,” Elsbeth admitted.
“I promise you will be if you find a book that draws you in and consumes you, body, mind, and soul.”
