by Emma Brady
“Does your mother pick out all of your gowns?” asked Sinclair, not wanting to be rude to strangers.
“She is worried about our not making matches,” added Andrea, shrinking into her chair. “It is crucial to her that we be successful.”
“Isn’t it your first season?”
“Yes, but it is the only one we can afford.”
Sinclair snorted at the thought of their mother pushing and pulling them for the sake of money. Even now, they seemed frightened of the idea of failing.
“I personally am enjoying my third season,” she lifted the cup to her lips with an air of confidence.
“Are you not in a hurry to be married?” asked Abigail.
“Why would I be? I’m wealthy enough on my own and don’t need to be taken care of.”
“What about having a family?” Charlotte asked.
Children were the one thing Sinclair thought she might be willing to marry for. She didn’t know if she would make a good mother, but something in her yearned to try.
“I would like that if I found the right husband.” Sinclair said with a sigh. “I don’t want to be stuck with the wrong one.”
“What will you do if you’re not married?”
“I hope to run my father’s business from London.”
The room fell silent and every eye was focused on her. Sinclair realized too late she had said the wrong thing.
“Ladies don’t go into business.” said Maria. “Most gentlemen won’t even dare.”
“My father left me a successful company. Why shouldn’t I keep it going?” To her that was all logic but they were looking at her like she was mad.
“Because no man will want to work with a woman.” Charlotte blushed as she spoke. “You will ruin your reputation and the company will suffer. All for nothing.”
Sinclair worried about the same thing. Men in America were narrow minded about women, but not to the full extent of the gentlemen here. There had to be a way for her to get around their notions about woman.
“Become a man.” Charlotte said simply when Sinclair asked for their advice.
“It might be a little late to change my gender.” Sinclair couldn’t help but laugh. She realized she was the only one.
“No, but you can impersonate a man.”
Charlotte had a sparkle in her eye that made Sinclair nervous. Something inside her mind was getting the girl excited. It was always the quiet ones that came up with the wildest ideas. Sinclair leaned back in her seat while her new friends hatched a plan for her that would have made any madman proud.
ALL THE GIRLS WERE sitting with their heads pressed together when Lucas entered the room. It was the silence that caught his attention as he passed the closed doors. Never in the history of having a sister had he passed a quiet room with her in it. He heard whispers as he closed the door after himself.
“Ladies,” he cleared his throat to get their attention.
Their heads snapped around to stare at him where he stood near the door. He wore only a shirt and trousers, having come straight from his study. Concentrating on papers was impossible when he knew that infuriating woman was in his house. He’d decided to take a walk and clear his head. Now, as he felt like a fish in a bowl, the thought seemed ridiculous.
“Lucas, how kind of you to join us,” his sister said, her eyes as wide as saucers looking at him.
“I wanted to know if Miss Brown got along well with the other ladies.”
Lucas stared at her from across the room. She looked feminine, sitting with her tea cup in the delicate chair. Behind the shine of her glasses, her eyes were a clear sparkling blue. A slight smile graced her lips, but it looked more like a smirk on her face. Warning signs went off in the back of Lucas’s mind as he noticed the blush spreading up from her neck to her ears.
“Things went well.” Sinclair glanced at Charlotte. “Were we finished with our conversation?”
“I think the details can wait until next visit.”
“Then I suppose I am leaving.”
The petite woman stood with all the dignity of a princess and began to sweep across the room. He caught himself watching her hips sway as she walked and forced his eyes upward. She was amused about something, he could tell by the twinkle in her eye.
“May I walk you out?” he offered, hoping for a chance to find out why she seemed so cheerful.
“You do not need to go to the trouble.”
“I am on my way out.”
“Then you do not need me to walk with you.”
She flashed teeth at him before gracefully walking from the room, leaving him staring after with his mouth open. He was too stunned to respond and then she was gone.
“You are going to catch flies like that, brother.”
“That woman is insufferable.”
“She is strong willed but not unbearable.”
Lucas turned his darkest glare on the young girl, but she simply smiled at him. His sister was never frightened of him, because she knew that she had him well wrapped around her finger. Lucas let out a grumbled curse. The other ladies decided it was also time for them to leave, so he waited until he was alone with his sister.
“I like Miss Brown. She is intriguing,” Charlotte said, once it was just the two of them.
“She is trouble wrapped up in a pretty package.”
“You think she is pretty?”
Lucas reached up to loosen his shirt at the neck, beginning to feel he had been trapped. It wasn’t like him to be flustered by a woman.
“Everyone agrees she is easy to look at,” he grumbled, “I was just repeating what is being said.”
“Of course.”
She didn’t look convinced and he knew she hid the laughter in her eyes. Sighing, Lucas changed the subject.
“Mr. Applegate asked after you today while we were discussing business.”
“Oh?”
Lucas couldn’t read the look on his sister’s face, but he hoped she might be surprised. The jeweler had been subtle in his interest, so perhaps she didn’t realize the man was attracted to her. Charlotte was so innocent about men.
“He seemed quite interested in your debut this season. Have you talked with him much?”
“Only a bit of polite conversation and only when the situation called for it.”
“Does that me you do not care for the man?”
The girl’s eyes drifted off for a moment as she thought it over. “I suppose I do not mind his company.”
His sister was never good at lying and Lucas was grateful for that. “That isn’t the same as enjoying it.”
“No, but he has always been polite when visiting you for business. I know he does a lot of business with you.”
That felt like a brick sinking in his stomach. “I do not want you to be unhappy for my sake.”
She stood, slowly and walked across the room to touch his face. She smiled softly, as she had when they were children. It was the look she wore when she felt he needed to be comforted.
“I know you would never do anything to make me unhappy, Lucas,” she said softly, “I just worry sometimes if you know what would make you happy.”
“To see you settled would make me happy.”
“Then I will do my best.”
At that moment he realized that his sister was no longer a child. This was a grown woman standing before him, one whose heart was bigger than her whole being. He saw the softness of their mother in her eyes and their father’s strength in her expression. Charlotte had grown up to be more of a lady than he could have ever dreamed. It made him proud to know that he hadn’t disappointed her.
“You know I would never want you to say yes to someone you did not care for.” Trying to find the words to express his emotions never came easy to him. “I made sure you would have no reason to feel pressured. You can take your time and choose wisely.”
“I know. You’ve done so much for me and I don’t want to disappoint you.”
“You will never disappoint me.”<
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Her expression got serious and her green eyes focus on him. “Promise me one thing, brother dear.”
“I would promise you anything.”
“Do not let your pride stop you from finding your own happiness. You deserve it as much as I do.”
It wasn’t until she’d been gone from the room for a couple minutes that Lucas realized what she meant. If he didn’t know better he would have thought his little sister believed herself to be a matchmaker. The idea was so amusing that Lucas couldn’t stop himself from laughing.
Chapter 6
It rained hard until late the next morning. When the sun finally appeared, Sinclair was restless to leave the house. She was busy getting ready for a walk through the park when Frederick appeared at her bedroom door.
“The earl is here, Miss.” He stopped just inside the door, “He is waiting in the foyer.”
“Why would I need to know that? He must be here to see my grandparents.”
“He said he planned to escort you for a ride through the park, Miss.”
“Then he is mistaken.”
She reached up to adjust the knot of hair on top of her head. The maid had come in this morning to help her dress, but Sinclair had dismissed her quickly. It was ridiculous to her that a full grown woman would need assistance in putting on her own clothing. Her hair had been another matter, curling wildly because of the weather. It was all she could do to just get it up off her face.
“I believe your grandparents asked him to keep you company, Miss.”
“I don’t need someone to look after me,” she said, “I’m perfectly capable of a walk through the park on my own.”
A brown hat with a yellow ribbon that circled the brim sat on the bed. Her grandmother insisted on the maid bringing it in, since it matched her skirt and jacket. She only glanced at it before walking to the door. She might have to wear the layers of proper clothes on her body but she would let her head remain free.
“I will just have to inform the man that his services are no longer needed.” Sinclair told her servant as she passed him on her way out of the bedroom.
“I was told you would be ready when I arrived.” Lucas stood at the foot of the stairs, twirling the hat in his hand and wearing a frown.
“That’s odd. I wasn’t told you were coming at all.”
“Surely your grandparents informed you.”
“If they had, I wouldn’t have said otherwise.”
Lucas raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond. Sinclair watched him slowly stand from his seat and found herself marveling at his large size. The man looked like a barbarian in a gray suit.
“We should be on our way,” said Lucas, motioning at the door behind her.
“I’m afraid there has been a misunderstanding,” she said in a cool tone. “I’m going for a walk on my own, not a ride with you this morning.”
“I promised your grandmother I would accompany you for a ride.”
“Then you will just have to apologize, because I am not going anywhere with you.”
His next move caught her completely by surprise, something that didn’t happen often. Moving swiftly, Lucas picked Sinclair up and threw her over his shoulder. She was stiff with shock at first, but before he was out of the parlor she exploded in anger. Her hands pounded at his back and her legs wriggled beneath his hands.
“You put me down, right now!”
“I am sorry I was forced to use such means,” Lucas said, finally releasing her once they were outside. “But I have a few things I need to discuss with you.”
“Of course,” she calmly looked up at him, “This is how men here conduct a conversation.”
He was so busy looking at her face that he didn’t notice her leg coming up to kick him in the shin.
“Was that really called for?”
Lucas gripped his bruised leg in one hand, while she continued to smile at him. She knew that had been most unladylike, but it was well worth it. The man should learn not to assume she was helpless.
“Yes, it most certainly was.”
“You are a brute.”
“Odd description for a woman, but I accept it.”
She heard him grumble something under his breath, but she wasn’t paying him any attention. Sinclair stared at a beautiful new two person phaeton parked on the street. The vehicle’s shiny waxed finish matched the chestnut horses attached to it, both gleaming in the sunlight. She had wanted one like this in Chicago, only her mother had thought it was too dangerous for a woman to drive. Given more time she would have convinced her father to get her one, but she hadn’t had the chance.
“I see you have noticed my newest purchase,” Lucas said.
“Is this what we’ll be riding in?” Sinclair let her gloved hand skim the smooth finish of the vehicle with admiration.
“Have you decided to join me now?”
“I suppose it would be easier than trying to fight in my new skirt.”
“Then yes, that is mine.”
He offered to help her into the vehicle but she waved his hand away and climbed in on her own. She ignored the sour look on his face as he started toward the park. Not wanting to miss anything, Sinclair pulled a pair of glasses from the pocket of her skirt and placed them on her nose. The world became sharper and more vivid when she could see it clearly.
“Why do you insist on wearing those unsightly things?” Lucas asked.
“I can’t see clearly without them.”
“Do you not worry about how they make you look?”
“Not really, I’m more interested in being able to see who I’m speaking to. I find people think I’m rude when I’m squinting at them.”
She reached up to tuck a stray curl behind her ear and she could feel Lucas staring at her. Sinclair focused her eyes on the road ahead, refusing to be intimidated. He was grumpy over their disagreement earlier, but she hoped he would become less disagreeable before they reached the park. Otherwise his attitude might ruin her day and that would be a pity.
“How do you plan to attract a man wearing those?” Lucas wasn’t going to let the subject of her glasses drop.
“I don’t.” said Sinclair.
“You don’ t plan on getting married?”
Sinclair saw the look of utter disbelief cross his face, followed by humor. She’d seen the same response in many men since her first season. They thought her independence was just a joke to be laughed at. She always made sure they learned how serious she was about it.
“If you don’t plan to marry, how to you plan to support yourself?” He looked so smug when he asked her that.
“My father made sure I would be well taken care of.” She replied.
“Certainly you are not referring to your share of his business?”
“I never have to marry for money.” Sinclair told him. “He taught me about every aspect of the shipping industry. I am going to make sure it continues to be successful.”
“I cannot believe your ridiculous country would even allow you to inherit such a thing. It is not a woman’s place to be in business.”
“I can run that business better than any man, even you.”
Lucas surprised her by laughing out loud. Most men wouldn’t dare be so rude as to laugh in her face. Sinclair could feel her lips tighten. She knew that society thought that women of her station were bred to wear expensive gowns and throw parties not worry about deadlines and paychecks. They were wrong, of course.
“Don’t laugh at me. It’s extremely rude.” Sinclair could feel her face growing warm with a blush.
“My apologies.” He didn’t look apologetic.
She snorted at him before turning to watch the other people moving through the park. The silence was heavy and as it wore on, Sinclair hoped this would be a short trip. She refused to even look at him, afraid she might not be able to stop herself from saying something impolite.
“Are you going to ignore me for the entire length of the park?”
She continued to face away from him, no
t even acknowledging that he had spoken. She knew it was childish, but that didn’t matter. The man had gotten on her bad side and she was happy to leave him there.
“Sinclair.”
She turned her head to glance at him when he saidher name. He was no longer amused but looked just as angry as she was.
“I didn’t give you permission to use my given name,” she said.
“I am glad I got your attention, Miss Brown.”
“You’re impossible.”
“From you, I will take that as a compliment.”
Sinclair snorted at his attempt at humor. He looked so proud of himself, sitting next to her with a smile on his face. This wasn’t the first time she had met an arrogant man like him and she knew exactly how to deal with them. They were like feral animals, one had to confront them directly and show no fear.
“Are you certain I would fail or are you afraid I might succeed?” she asked. “I wonder if you are hoping to be rid of the competition. I heard your own shipping company is still struggling to get its feet on the ground.”
That comment had the desired effect and she watched his smile disappear. Those big hands gripping the reins tightened but she knew he wouldn’t let then anger show in more obvious ways. Lucas was too controlled for things like emotion.
THAT WOMAN HAD THE nerve to say things that most men wouldn’t dare. If she had been a man he could have fought back, but with a lady, he had to keep his anger in check. One could not be seen yelling at a woman in the middle of the park.
“My business is doing well, thank you. It has managed to double every year for the past three.” said Lucas.
“That’s not hard when you start so small. “
“It’s becoming one of the largest in Brittan.” Lucas was proud of the company he built, even if it was considered labor by his peers. “Another year and it will match your father’s own.”
“Not if someone else gets in your way.”
“Is this a challenge?”