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“Yes, she was. But there was more difficult news for her to bear. The news I wish to discuss with you also.”
Cynthia sat up from her slump. “What is it?”
“First, I’ve taken some economies. I’ve cut my brother’s allowance by more than half and sold my mother’s London home—”
“Ouch.”
“And I’ve petitioned the crown to remove the entail from my own town home. It’s a great monstrosity and will likely bring in an impressive amount if the crown agrees. I’ll pay off my debts and invest the money in improvements on my other properties and in a few years, my income should improve. As for my mother…I’ll rent a home in London for my family during the Season, and they may retire to the country as always during the winter.”
“I see. And where will you live during the Season?”
He glanced at her through his lashes, then down to the floor. “This is what I wished to discuss with you.”
Her pulse increased at his nervousness.
“I will not…I will not lead the life I had expected. Or that you had expected.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “It’s a difficult subject.”
“Nick, where in the world did you get money to invest?”
“I didn’t.”
She waited, but Nick said nothing. “Please tell me so we can get past this.”
“All right.” He paced for a moment, brow furrowed, jaw jumping with tension. “I made a proposal to Somerhart. He offered me a five percent stake as part of my compensation.”
“Compensation? I don’t understand.”
“I, um…” Nick cleared his throat. “I have taken a position.”
“A position?”
“I don’t expect you to accept it. It’s nothing a woman of your elevation should have to tolerate. If you can’t…”
She waved his words away. “What kind of position? What in the world do you know about shipping?”
“Nothing. I am to be charming.”
Cynthia cocked her head. “You are always charming.”
“Yes. And now I am to charm people into doing business with Huntington Shipping. For a profit. And a share in the company. I’m to charm my way into being the most coveted guest in New York society. Boston as well. Perhaps Savannah.”
“You’re not serious?”
“Yes.” He set his feet wide and stood straighter. “I’m afraid I am. I have every intention of increasing Huntington Shipping’s profits by threefold within the year. This is the path I’ve chosen, Cyn. If the idea is distasteful or—”
“It’s perfect!”
He pulled his chin in. “What?”
“You cannot possibly fail.”
“Well, don’t say that.”
Unable to contain herself, Cynthia leapt from the chair and ran into his arms. “It’s perfect!” She pressed kisses to his chin and jaw and finally—finally—Nick’s arms were around her. “I’m so proud of you. Ask for my hand,” she urged.
“I will not have the same social assurance I once did. There’s already disapproval over my breaking the engagement with Miss Brandiss. Creditors are howling for my head. And there is talk about why I might have killed Richmond. If it gets out that I am employed…We’ve put it about that I’m part-owner, but that is only a half-truth, I suppose.”
“Let them talk.” She sucked at a spot on his neck while he tried to set her away. “I’m an American now. We expect ambition in our men.”
