Page 66 of A Wicked Business

“Indeed, it would,” Belinda said firmly, taking her father’s arm. “Does that mean you will give me away, Papa? I believe Lady Helena is working like fury to arrange a lovely wedding for us.”

“I’ll be there, and I’ll be the proudest father that ever was, Belinda. You’re a fine young woman. Your mother would be so proud of you.”

Belinda smiled, blinking back tears as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Papa.”

“This time tomorrow, we’ll be married.”

Belinda’s heart gave a little skip of anticipation at Felix’s words as they walked in the gardens of her father’s house.

“I can hardly believe it,” she said, shaking her head. “And Papa is giving me away! It seems like a dream to me.”

“I know. He called upon my father yesterday and the two of them had a civil conversation. Can you imagine? I have to admit I waited outside my father’s office door for a good half an hour, certain there would be an eruption, but none came. I even heard laughter!”

They both shook their heads at this bizarre turn of events.

“I visited Miss Ludlow yesterday. I was so relieved to discover she was unharmed. The poor woman was only concerned at having let me down! As if I would think it. However, we have agreed that we need security and I’ve given her leave to employ whomever she thinks best to see to her safety.”

“A wise idea. Heaven alone knows what trouble you will conjure up next,” Felix remarked with a laugh.

“Women’s suffrage,” she said promptly. “It is high time it was debated in Parliament, and, through the print shop, I have the means to voice the opinions of women and make public the dreadful circumstances thousands endure every day. I was actually considering beginning a Saint-Simonian newspaper, in the style of La Femme Libre in France, which is published and written exclusively by women.”

Felix gazed down at her, a smile on his lips, his green eyes shining. “That sounds a wonderful idea, and you are remarkable woman who is certainly capable of doing so. I shall be proud to help you in whatever way I may.”

“You don’t mind?” she asked, hardly daring to believe his words.

“If you stop short of inciting riot and revolution, no,” he replied.

Belinda grinned at him. “Well, I’ll try,” she said, as if this were a great sacrifice.

“You are going to give me heart failure, aren’t you?” he said fondly.

Belinda shrugged. “Not intentionally,” she replied, a little aggrieved, but he only laughed and pulled her into his arms.

“Felix, not here! Papa will see!”

“I don’t care,” he retorted, and kissed her until she believed him.