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“Arabella,” her father went on. “Can’t you see that it’s because I love you that I’m doing this? It’s because I want for you to have the same economic and social status to which you are used.”
“I just want to be with the man that I love,” she replied, trying to get him to see things from her point of view.
“He cannot offer you the life that a gentleman would,” her father replied. “We have raised you to be an independent thinker, but we have not raised you to live in a middle-class home on a middle-class income. You will struggle. While you may be able to mix with the ton, they will no longer count you as one of their own. You will be thrust out of your good standing in Society. It’s in your best interest that you marry someone who is, in every way, your equal.”
“I said as much to you during the summer,” her mother added. “You must marry a gentleman who challenges you.”
“You are the daughter of a Duke,” her father said. “You are to marry a Duke, and I will find a gentleman who is suitable—one who respects your interests and treats you with kindness. You will marry him, and there will be no more talk of marrying Mr. Conolly.”
Her throat felt tight. “How can you trust someone so implicitly with your own affairs that you believed to be after your money? Have you fired him, then?”
“No. I have not,” her father replied.
“Are you planning to do so, then?” she asked.
“No,” her father replied. “I will continue to retain his services. I will continue dealings with Mr. Conolly as I have been. However, you are never to be alone with him, ever.”
“Of course.” She could barely speak.
“You are not to communicate with him,” he went on.
“As you wish.” She stared down at her empty plate. She could see her parents’ point, as well as their fears. Comfort and luxury, as well as the power of a title were no small consideration. While Charles could offer her comfort, there would be neither luxury nor title.
Nonetheless, she was disappointed and heartbroken. Without her father’s approbation, there was nothing to be done. He would not be convinced. She would have to give him up. But she would not marry, not without love.
