Page 15 of A Stormy Season

“That is quite generous and kind of you, Miss Gilchrist.”

“It works out well for both of us. The shop is making money, and I find I quite enjoy keeping the books.”

“You enjoy it? Sitting here in this little office?”

“I do.” She folded her arms in front of her chest, giving him a challenging look. “I enjoy seeing the numbers line up and reconcile. It is satisfying for me. But I see this surprises you. Do you think a woman cannot enjoy mathematics and accounting?”

“I hope I have not offended you. I just find it . . . unusual.”

“Perhaps it is. But I dislike sitting at home embroidering cushions.”

Heat crept up the back of his neck. Hadn’t Anne said almost those exact words to him, more than once? And Luke wanted no part of a woman who was like Anne—faithless, restless, cruel.

“I see. Good day, Miss Gilchrist.” He turned to leave, knowing he was being abrupt, but his breath was coming fast and he just needed to leave.

“Good day, Mr. Watley. Thank you for settling your wife’s bill.”

“I must go. Thank you.”

Was she mentioning his wife purposely to bother him? No, he was being paranoid, as he often was when something reminded him of Anne.

But his visceral reaction was further proof that anyone who reminded him of Anne was not someone he would ever marry.

~ ~ ~

Jane hurried home from the shop to get ready for the ball. When she entered the house, her brother and sister-in-law were standing in the hallway locked in an amorous embrace.

They must have heard her shut the door, because they immediately stopped kissing. Penelope broke into an embarrassed laugh, while Henry just smiled and greeted Jane.

Truly, she wished she could have what Henry and Penelope had—a sincerely loving and affectionate marriage. But such a thing seemed so rare.

There were many spinsters in England, and she might well end up as one of them, as she would not accept anything less than a man she could love and respect.

“Don’t mind me,” Jane said. “Your secret—that you have an affectionate marriage—is safe with me.”

“We aren’t the only couple in England with an affectionate marriage,” Henry said.

“You are the only one I know of.” Jane raised her eyebrows, daring him to dispute it.

Henry changed the subject. “Are you excited for the ball this evening? I know how much you like to dance.”

“Of course. And if the popular Mr. Luke Watley is in attendance, I daresay I shall have the pick of dance partners, as every young lady will be trying to dance with him.”

Henry shook his head. “Why do you dislike him so much?”

“I don’t dislike him.” Jane frowned at her irritating brother, always so quick to scold her.

“I feel so sorry for poor Mr. Watley,” Penelope said. “I do hope he comes and that we can cheer him up a bit. He looks so sad every time I see him, and now he’s had to send his sweet little boy to the country just to keep him safe.” Penelope looked as if she had tears in her eyes, but she blinked them away.

Jane wanted to roll her eyes, if she was honest, at how much pity Luke Watley was receiving. “I saw him this morning. He is well enough. He is sought after by every young lady and her mother in the whole of Great Britain. He’s wealthy. He can literally marry any woman he wants. In a few months he’ll be better than ever, I daresay.”

“Jane.” Penelope’s eyes went wide and she shook her head. “You are just trying to be shocking.” She smiled as if amused.

“Really, Jane. That isn’t very charitable,” Henry said. “The man has suffered a great deal. You cannot dispute the point.”

“I know. The man has suffered, but it isn’t as if he is penniless and in need, as is the case with many women who are widowed, or that he will never marry again. His situation will change and be quite well again. That is all I am saying.”

She also remembered how abrupt he had been with her that morning. Was he thinking about how scandalous and “masculine” it was that she enjoyed working? After all, she’d just told him how much she liked keeping the accounts. Why else would he have been uncivil in the way he took his leave?