“My father is determined that I will be a gentleman of leisure, whiling away my life with overtly gentlemanly pursuits and living off the wealth he has so carefully guarded and accumulated.”
There was one opinion from one parent. “And according to your mother?”
“I will marry a young lady of tremendous standing in Society—at the moment, she is in agreement with my father’s choice of Miss Lancaster—and then proceed to those very gentlemanly pursuits.”
Ellie stepped carefully around a partially protruding tree root in the path. “Your mother will realize my family claims an insignificant place in Society, and with a little effort, she will come to know just how minuscule my dowry is. Will this ruse we are enacting cause you a great deal of difficulty?”
“I am not inexperienced with the ‘difficulty’ inherent in being lectured by my parents. I assure you, I can endure it again.”
“My mother is fond of lecturing as well,” she said. “While my father doesn’t participate, he also does not ever defend me.”
Newton set his hand atop hers. “I am sorry to hear that.”
She didn’t know how much of the kind gesture was sincere and how much was for the benefit of those watching—they were co-conspirators in a plot, after all—but she was grateful, just the same. Enduring her mother’s dictates and demands and her father’s complacency had been a lonely burden.
“You have not addressed the matter of what you wish to do with your life now that you’ve finished at Cambridge.” What wouldhisthoughts on the matter be?
“If I had my way, I would immediately attach myself to an Inn of Court and study the law in order to pursue a career as a barrister.”
She could easily picture him acting in that role. His appeared to be a methodical mind, and heaven knew he possessed a calm and deliberate demeanor. “Your parents object to this plan?”
“Quite vociferously.”
“Parents are such a painful form of torture at times,” she said. “They are forever placing a person in the untenable position of deciding between being true to oneself and keeping the peace.”
“And it is an uncomfortable outcome either way.”
They walked on awhile. He did not demand conversation nor agreement. He did not look down on her for behaving in a more forceful manner than her parents were comfortable with. And he was kind. Of all the people Artemis might’ve suggested she could pretend to be courted by, he was proving a good choice.
She began to believe she just might survive this stay in Bath.
Barely.
Chapter Six
“Unfortunately, my sister-in-law is adecent person.” Artemis rolled her eyes with the theatrical air that Newton had discovered was near constant with her. She turned to Charlie standing nearby and held up a single finger as if to scold him. “Not a word from you, Charles.”
Charlie held up his hands in a show of feigned innocence. These two never stopped nipping at each other. Newton found it simultaneously entertaining and a little tiring.
Artemis continued. “Despite my pleadings, my uncooperative family has invited the Nappers to this evening’s gathering. I, being the intelligent one, suggested we limit the invitation to only Ellie.”
The two young ladies had become fast friends. Newton could understand why. Artemis was a lark. Ellie was a joy.
“Lillian will be here,” Artemis said, “which will likely make things a little uncomfortable for you, Newton. I don’t doubt you know how to navigate this particular quagmire, but I regret that you have to.”
“Is that not the reason for our scheme?”
Artemis smiled mischievously. “Oh yes. I haven’t the least doubt it will help, but we are so early in our plan that the scheme will not do you as much good as it will in a few more weeks.”
Newton nodded, not overly worried.
“Mr. Napper is relatively harmless but only because he is relatively uninvolved this time. He had plenty to say when Lillian was pursuing”—her eyes darted to Charlie—“less exalted options.”
“No argument from me,” Charlie said. “Newton’s a far better catch than I’ll ever be.”
“Truer words were never spoken.” Artemis turned once more to Newton. “Mr. Napper will cause you few headaches.Mrs.Napper is another matter entirely.”
“She’s not likely to be put off the scent?”
