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“What is he?”
“There are rumors.”
Emily shook her head. “Since when do you listen to rumors?” She knew that he referred to the fact that Ace was actually a bastard. It wasn’t rumor, it was fact. But that didn’t mean that Ace was less. At least not to her.
“I listen when they involve the happiness of my sister,” Ken fired back.
Emily shook her head. “The rumors have little to do with whether or not he’d make me happy.”
“I disagree. If he’s the imposter they say he is—” Ken stopped, his lips pressing into a thin line.
“Ken.” She took in a deep breath, choosing her words carefully rather than prattling on nervously. This was important. “Anyone can see that everything Lord Smith does is for the protection of his family.”
“And what if he wants to marry you for the protection of his family? Would that make you happy? To be used for your dowry?”
Heat flooded her face as she winced in pain. “Rest assured. He doesn’t wish to marry me.”
“How do you know that?”
She shrugged, her fingers twisting together. “He told me. But he does need help so that he might provide for Mirabelle and so I need—”
“Mirabelle.”
“To ask you to see him again. Perhaps for dinner. This Friday.”
Ken’s brows lifted. “You want to have him here?”
“I do.”
“But not because you wish to pursue a courtship with him?”
She tried to keep her face free of emotion as she gave a quick nod. For once, she hadn’t allowed her words to run away with her or clammed up with nervousness. She’d not ruin it now.
“That’s right,” she said. “I wish to help Mirabelle. She’s a lovely girl who deserves a future.”
Ken let out a long sigh. “Fine. I’ll invite him to dinner on Friday night.”
She stepped closer, relief making her shoulders limp. “And you’ll consider his proposal?”
“What do you know about that?” Ken said, the volume of his voice rising with every word. Clearly she’d found another point of irritation.
She took a half step back, her pulse beginning to thrum. “Just what Mirabelle told me.”
“And what does she know?”
Emily took several more breaths as her fingers pressed to her stomach. This was Ken. He loved her. Why did she allow her nerves to scramble her reasoning? “Just that her brother’s business is necessary to keep the family financially stable. He wants to provide dowries for his sisters and incomes for his four brothers.”
Ken waved his hand. “Fine. I’ll listen. Are you happy?”
“Yes.”
“And Emily.” Ken moved around the desk. “If Somersworth makes any more overtures, you tell me. I don’t care that you could be a countess, he’s not right for you.”
Her brows shot up. “Why not? He’s your friend.”
“He’s a rake.”
Relief coursed through her, softening her shoulders. “I’ll take all you said under consideration, but rest assured, I’m not interested in Somersworth.”
