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Chapter Two
“The Marquess of Newhey, Jerome Wilmore,” announced the butler, as everyone settled into the dining room for dinner.
He’s not unattractive, I suppose, Evelina thought, managing a civil greeting with a smile. Jerome looked to be in his mid-thirties, with a strong build and thick, dark hair.
“Pleased to make your acquaintance,” Jerome said. “The Duke of Alderleaf and I have grand plans for business together. I’m quite glad to be introduced to his lovely family.”
Jerome said all of this to Evelina’s father, the Duke of Alderleaf himself, even though he was still technically being introduced to Evelina.
Ah, she thought, disappointed,a brown noser.
It was easy after that to go through the motions of sitting at the table, being served one course, then another, and smiling just enough not to be called out for getting lost in her head.
“The Marquess is in shipping as well,” her father said. “As he said, there certainly does seem to be grand potential between us.” He tilted his glass at Jerome in an unofficial toast.
“That’s kind of you,” Jerome answered, ducking his head in unconvincing humility. “Of course, Your Grace, your company is already so highly regarded in industry circles. My business is much smaller in size. Though,” he added with a slightly pompous lilt. “We have nearly doubled our annual income this year, thanks to sharp-minded work behind the scenes.”
Father lifted his brow in interest. “Oh? And how, may I asked, have you accomplished that?” Before Jerome could answer, he waved him away. “No need to get into all of it just now, of course. I wouldn’t expect you to give up your trade secrets to the entire room.”
Jerome laughed at the mock concession, which was clearly intended as a joke, given that the only other people in the room were staff and the women of the family.
Evelina stabbed her potato with a little more gusto than necessary.I may not have a say in how the business is run, but does my presence truly have such little impact on them?
She had long paid attention to her father’s business operations, after all, and spent a fair deal of her free time reading up on the history of the shipping industry. Daresay, she might have valuable input, if only the men in her life would give her the chance.
Mother chose that moment to bring up the Season. “Will you be attending any of the upcoming dances this month?” she asked Jerome.
“I had most certainly planned to.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. As, I’m sure, are my daughters.” Mother laughed at her own jest. Diana joined in with a dainty laugh of her own across the table, before cutting her eyes over to Evelina. She prompted her with a little nod.
Evelina hoped her voice didn’t betray her disillusionment. “We shall all look forward to your presence, I’m sure.”
Jerome smiled at Evelina, but again, directed his words to Father. “PerhapsIshall look forward to having the honor of requesting a dance from your eldest.”
Mother straightened in her seat, buoyed up by the prospect of Jerome’s interest. Father looked pleased as well. “I am sure something along those lines might be arranged.”
“Yes,” Evelina said dimly, feeling a little faint. “I would certainly be honored.”
Later that evening, when Evelina was at last allowed to retreat to her, she collapsed backwards onto the bed, exhausted.
Once more, it wasn’t that her suitor had done anything outwardly wrong. He simply hadn’t done very muchright.
Yes, as the evening came to a close, he had innocuously complimented her beauty, but that hardly mattered as far as Evelina was concerned.
When Evelina thought of the sort of man shewouldconsider courting, she did think of someone handsome, but more than anything, a man who genuinely cared what she had to say. They could disagree on things—if anything, that would be even better, as disagreements often offered the most stimulating conversations.
But this fantasy husband must be able to speak to her with confidence, eloquence, and respect across all subjects. Preferablyinterestingsubjects that had nothing to do with her looks.
After last year’s final ball, where Evelina had kindly but firmly rejected her most promising suitor yet, she’d found Mother crying alone in the drawing room. “You do not even try, Evelina. You could have the city at your fingertips, but you insist on keeping yourself on such a high pedestal. If you’re not cautious, gentlemen will quit asking.”
It had nearly broken Evelina’s heart. Even so, she couldn’t help but ask, “Is my future happiness unworthy of such a pedestal?
“Of course not, My Dear, but these are good men you are turning away. Kind. Wealthy. What more could you possibly desire?”
For a start, Evelina wished to be treated as a person. Not a doll whose only purpose was to be toted around by a man, looking pretty.
It would benefit no one to voice such thoughts to Mother, of course.
