Harrison's gaze dropped to their joined hands, then snapped back to Esme's face.
"I see," he said tightly.
"Do you?"Esme asked."Allow me to assist."
"Esme," he began."This is hardly the time?—"
"It is precisely the time," she interrupted."Because for once, I am speaking about my life."
Harrison's lips thinned."Watford has?—"
"Released any intention of courting me," she finished."We have both seen sense.He wishes for a quiet wife.I wish for something else."
Her grip on Redford's hand tightened.
"Something reckless," Harrison said, glancing at Redford.
Esme stepped in front of him, cutting him off."Something chosen," she corrected."James has asked permission to court me."
Harrison's gaze flicked to Redford."And you wish to marry."
Redford inclined his head."Terrifying, is it not?"
"This is not a jest," Harrison snapped.
"No," Redford said quietly."It is not.I have spoken with my solicitor.My father's debts are nearly extinguished.My lands are sound.I intend to be dull in my management, if that reassures you.I cannot swear to be sober at every house party, but I can promise your sister honesty, respect, and my best efforts not to drag her into fountains without prior warning."
The corner of Esme's mouth kicked up.
Harrison looked between them, frustration and worry warring in his eyes.
"You talk of choice," he said to Esme."As though I have had any.I have a responsibility to see that you are properly settled.That you do not not embarrass or family.That you do not?—"
"Become myself," Esme supplied softly.
He flinched.
"You are my responsibility," he said.
"I am your sister," she returned."Not a possession, but a person whose happiness is a part of your responsibility."
He stared at her."You have always been so much," he said helplessly."You speak when you ought to be quiet.You argue with bishops.You fall into lakes.The world is not kind to women who are more than it expects."
"I am aware, and I intend to be unkind in return," she said.
A strangled sound escaped Redford.He covered it with a cough.
Harrison dragged a hand over his face, cracks appearing in his composure.
"And he?"Harrison jerked his head at Redford."You trust him with your heart?"
Esme looked up at James."Yes," she said simply."Because when I say no, he stops.Because when I say I am not a possession, he does not tell me to be quiet.Because he is the only man in this room who has offered me choice."Her voice softened."I know you love me, Harrison.I know you think you are protecting me.But I cannot live the rest of my life smothered in sensible decisions made on my behalf."
He closed his eyes briefly.When he opened them, they were bright."I do not know how, to stop worrying."
"You do not have to," she said."You only have to stop deciding in advance that I will fail, and then forbidding me the chance to prove you wrong."
Harrison looked at Redford.
