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Chapter Sixteen
“First order of things…” Edward began, “we shall talk about the living conditions.”
Ariadne held up a hand. “I want to make something clear first, my Lord.”
“Call me Edward.”
Ariadne blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“It’s my Christian name. I would like you to address me by it,” he said. “I don’t like it when you address me as a lord.”
“But that’s what you are,” she said. She looked at him as if he had lost his mind and maybe he had. That would explain why he was seeking him out when he had a betrothed waiting for him back home, and Ariadne wanted nothing to do with him either.
“I’m aware,” Edward said with a wince. “But a title is not who I am. I’m Edward Remington.”
“The ship merchant,” Ariadne said drily. So she remembered his fake identity. “At least you were truthful about your name.”
“I wanted to be about everything else. You have to believe me. Before my father came, I was ready to confess the truth,” Edward said earnestly.
Ariadne waved him away. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not helping you per se, I’m trying to help people who live here. It has nothing to do with you. Just wanted to make that clear,” Ariadne said in a solemn voice.
“Of course,” Edward said. They had a warm companionship before but that had been replaced by apathy on Ariadne’s part now. He really couldn’t blame her. His father had humiliated her. Of course, she saw him as an enemy now. But hopefully, he would be able to change her opinion.
“So what do you expect of me?” she asked, folding her arms over her chest.
“A few hours of your free time every week, whenever it suits you. There’s a major Parliamentary session before the end of the autumn. I want to ready my notes for my presentation before that,” Edward replied breezily. The truth was a double-edged sword. He didn’t want her to know that he was here for selfish reasons, forher. But at the end of the day, he also wanted to help people.
“And what do you expect will change?” she asked curiously.
“We can’t hope for drastic changes before things are shaken up at the root. That’s why I’m here. You’re educated and you know all about people here as you already let me know when I was a guest at your home. I want your opinion, everything you have to say.”
“I have a lot to say,” Ariadne warned.
Edward smiled wryly. “All the better. So when do we begin?”
“Perhaps tomorrow,” Ariadne said, her voice distracted. Edward nodded. This was her way of dismissing him. It chaffed at him since no one in his life had ever spoken to him in such a manner.
“Good day, then, my Lady,” he said, tipping his hat.
Ariadne sneered. “I’m no Lady, my Lord. Perhaps you’ve forgotten.”
“No,” Edward replied softly. Her coldness bothered him but he had seen the other side of Ariadne, too, the one who had been so kind and gentle with him. She had locked away that part of her from him but he was determined to seek it out again. “I’ll take your leave now.”
* * *
Thankfully he was able to get another hack that was able to take him home. He was careful to pay it off before they could reach the house. He didn’t want any of the servants to spot him. Rumors spread easily, especially among servants. He needed to be discreet.
But as soon as he walked into the foyer, Maisie cornered him. She was carrying her sewing kit and she seemed to be on her way out. “Brother, did you just come in?”
“I did,” Edward said, “I was just out for a walk.”
“With who?” Maisie asked curiously.
“I was alone,” Edward said, coughing into his closed fist.
Maisie frowned at him. “You know you spend more time with our cousin than you do with your future wife. You should take an effort to know her more.”
“Of course,” Edward murmured.
