Mr Read did in fact stay for luncheon, and retired with the ladies back to the parlour after they were done, seemingly confused about the duration of a polite visit, which did not distress anybody. Mr Hopkinson left them together to deal with the pianoforte and a few other duties, promising to talk to Mr Read another time about any details they might have missed.
After his departure, Elizabeth said, “So I see you are most interested in the canal. Is that what brought you to town, sir? Did you have some specific tasks to accomplish that will help advance this dream?”
Mr Read studied her, and noticed Anne studying the lady as well. He also noticed Miss Bennet listening with a different expression than she had worn while they idly talked about canals. She had turned her head unconsciously at an angle, heassumed to give her ears a better chance of hearing him, and he suspected this was an important question. There was little doubt that Miss Elizabeth’s opinion mattered in this house, and he suspected the lady would bedifficultto fool. She seemed someone who had her wits about her far more than any others of his acquaintance. Fortunately, he had no intention of engaging in such a foolhardy venture, so he determined to use his customary American bluntness.
“Ioriginallycame to town with the express intention of helping move this project along, thus establishing my own fortunes and those of many others. There are political factors at work, and I have some small skill in the arena.”
His emphasis on the wordoriginallywas barely a whisper above his usual tone, but noticeable to Miss Bennet.
“Originally,sir?”
He smiles softly. “Since I arrived, I have become aware of certain…othergoals.”
“Might you elaborate?” Miss de Bourgh asked, so he gave her his full attention.
“Now, I discover I am in want of a wife.”
Miss de Bourgh’s animated face dropped much as if he had casually mentioned a search for an economical mistress.
“Well, do not let us delay you,” the lady said timidly. “You should be courting.”
He had not been as clear as he liked, even with his customary bluntness. He resolved to correct the misunderstanding immediately.
“I am courting, Miss de Bourgh!I am courting right now, and have been every moment since I became aware of my lack. Can you be unaware?”
Now there was not the slightest doubt. Miss Bennet listened as intently as it was possible to listen, and Miss de Bourgh might panic and conclude he courted Miss Elizabeth. She had the lookof a lady who did not expect a man to court her… as if the very idea were foreign. Of course, courting Miss Bennet would be a fine idea, and in fact the best idea in the world,for the right man. Mr George Read was not that man, or at least he had not been for the past twelve hours.
Bidding all semblance of propriety a fond goodbye, he surprised both ladies by sliding from his chair and landing on his knees, exactly in the middle between the two so they formed the points of a triangle. He further compounded the sin by reaching over to takeboth ladies’ handsin his own, and hoped fervently they would hear him out.
“Let me be clear. I am courtingyou, Miss de Bourgh, and I am courtingyour good opinion, Miss Bennet, as I know that none of my desires will prevail without it.”
Anne sat in stunned silence, while Elizabeth sat in careful silence, listening for the slightest hint of dishonesty.
“I know this is sudden, and you could in no way have decided anything in a few hours’ acquaintance, but know that I am resolute and my intentions are honourable.”
He gave both hands a gentle squeeze. “I do not seek your fortune. You must watch for fortune hunters with every new acquaintance, but I do not need it. Our laws here are as barbaric as they are in England; should we wed, I would control any fortune you might bring, but I hope you trust me to understand that isyour fortune, not mine.In fact, I would happily secure it in a trust or settlement to pass to our children intact. I do not want your fortune. I want you!”
“Why?”
He wondered if he could distil all the thoughts and feelings of the last day to a few words, and decided he must make the attempt.
“It is partly just a matter offaith. I felt you were the missing piece that would complete me the moment I laid eyes on you.I have no idea how I found the initial attraction, but I did, and even stranger, I summoned my courage and pursued it. I believe you will complete me, and I believe it strongly enough to wager both our lives on it.”
“After less than four and twenty hours?”
That was a question he could handle.
“Not really. I came here to court you, not propose. We need time to know one another. I have business in New York for about six weeks before I return to Ohio. Let us use that time to learn if we suit one another. If we do, you may expect an offer.”
“Do you always move so quickly, Mr Read?” asked Miss Bennet.
Mr Read was under no illusions. He needed this lady’s goodwill to succeed in his suit, but he must earn it for its own merit. Elizabeth was also a woman he would very much like to have as a part of his life going forward. Aside from already considering her the sister he never had, he suspected hidden talents that would be exceptionally good for all involved if properly channelled. Her schools were the prime example of her capability. Perhaps she might educate every child in Ohio! Why limit the dream?
Drawing a deep breath to fortify himself for the address, he continued.
“I usually do things very carefully, Miss Bennet, and this is the most extreme action I have ever taken. If Miss de Bourgh had not mentioned your imminent departure for England, I would have acted much more decorously, but I was not willing to risk your departure without pleading my case. Sometimes in business, you must make a decision and abide by it. You must see opportunities other men might miss and take advantage. However, you must temper that aggressiveness with prudence. I am offering courtship because it is prudent, and it shows therespect a lady is due. I could have it no other way, but make no mistake of my intentions.”
Anne asked, “Are you saying that you would make me an offer today, but you are offering courtship out of courtesy and respect?”
