“What difference does it make if they are poor?” Rebecca was beginning to wish that she had not begun the conversation.
It seemed clear to her that Oliver was going to find an objection to each and every part of it. Once each objection had been dealt with, he moved easily to his next. As their conversation ground on, Rebecca began to lose her confidence a little. What if she really could not manage to teach a large group? What if Oliver was right? And since it seemed now that he would not be as interested in assisting her in the whole thing as she had hoped he would, would she really be able to manage it alone? Could she try to enlist the help of other like-minded ladies?
“It is simply that they have very different manners, Rebecca. I think they are likely rougher and a good deal much more difficult to control. I was talking to Louisa Staffordshire about this very thing just last week and she would agree.”
Rebecca felt her anger flare but she reined it in and answered as logically as she could. “I have not yet found that to be the case, Oliver. Quite the opposite, in fact, because they are somewhat more grateful for the education that they had not seen as their right.” Rebecca could hear a little bitterness in her tone. “Still, something to think about on another day, is it not?” She concluded as cheerfully as she could, not keen to end such a wonderful afternoon on the terrace of Wisteria Manor on a sour note.
“Indeed, it is,” he said a little more brightly. “However, if you continued in your quest, a sensible man might find himself drawn to another young lady altogether, a young lady like Louisa Staffordshire.”
Rebecca could not believe what he had just said. Could not believe the hurt that stabbed into her chest and her face fell as tears almost came to her eyes. Her mouth was opening and closing and she saw the look on his face. It was chagrin but something more there was a touch of manipulation.
“I think perhaps that we should change the subject,” she said.
“It is all inconsequential now,” he said. “I doubt very much if you will be able to continue with your school. Let us think of ways to raise funds for these poor needy children.”
Rebecca could not believe that he seemed pleased with himself. As if he had done her a favor and she was pleased when the visit ended shortly after. Suddenly, her future was changed. How could she continue to see Oliver when he felt so differently to her? How could she let him go when he was the man she knew she would marry? How would she cope if her dream was taken away?
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Also by Charlotte Darcy
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A few selected books I hope you will enjoy.
Charlotte
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The Lady and the Secret Duke
Love for the Hidden Lady
Love for the Hidden Rose
Box Sets
Regency Romantic Dreams 4 interlinked novels
Love at Morley Mills 6 Book Box Set including an exclusive book in one 6 book collection FREE on Kindle Unlimited.
Love Against the Odds an 11 Book Regency Box Set
About the Author
I hope you enjoyed these books by Charlotte Darcy.
Charlotte is a hopeless romantic. She loves historical romance and the Regency era the most. She has been a writer for many years and can think of nothing better than seeing how her characters can find their happy ever after.
She lives in Derbyshire, England and when not writing you will find her walking the British countryside with her dog Poppy or visiting stately homes, such as Chatsworth House which is local to her.
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Love or Title: The Colchester Sisters Page 11