“Possibly,” Rowles answered.
Two shallow lines creased her brow as she grumbled, “He is afraid society will consider me a bluestocking not because of my position in the world but because of my beliefs.”
“That is a possibility,” Rowles pointed out.
“And another aspect of the unfairness of the system.”
“Indeed,” he answered, curious how she’d continue.
Releasing her fistful of skirt, she waved her hands. “Most only consider the aspects of the unfair constraints of culture on women in the societal aspects, but it’s so much deeper,” she said with feeling.
“Which aspect do you find the most important to consider?” he asked, leading them to the entrance of Hyde Park. Morgan’s prophesy was correct and the park was mostly vacant. Rowles relaxed some, thankful they wouldn’t be under watchful eyes.
He turned his attention back to Joan, noting the way her lips twisted to the side as she thought. Were her lips as full and soft as they appeared? He desperately wanted to find out.
“The education aspect,” she replied with a firm nod.
“Formal or informal?” he asked, curious and intrigued at her keen mind.
She met his eyes. “Both, but formal foremost. No respected university will allow a woman student, which only hinders the potential of a woman without prospects. Women only have a few options for honest work, and those options could be expanded by offering education.”
“A valid point. Now, allow me to challenge your thoughts.” He glanced at her, waiting to see if she’d accept his words or grow irritated. He’d long ago learned that students fell into two categories: those who wanted to learn, and those who wanted to be right.
If they wanted to learn, they were disappointed if proven incorrect, but appreciated the aspect of personal and intellectual growth. If they wanted to be right, they would do whatever it took to prove their point correct, even if they were utterly wrong, because of pride.
It took a stronger intellect and more character to be the first sort of student, and he hoped and expected that Joan would be of that variety.
Except, she wasn’t a student.
She was…something else entirely.
The sobering realization made him tread carefully as he watched her.
“Go ahead. I have realized my earlier error in jumping to conclusions. I’ll not make the same mistake twice,” she said in a challenging tone. “Do your worst, Professor.” Her lips curved into a wide and delighted smile, a hint of mischief dancing in her eyes.
Rowles blinked once, twice, and forced his mind to work properly rather than be distracted entirely by her calling himProfessor.
Again.
Good Lord, how could something so innocent seem like a siren call?
“You were saying?” she encouraged.
Rowles nodded, swallowed, then collected his wayward thoughts. “Are intelligence and education directly correlated to success? Or, in a whole new question that likely borders on heretical for British society…” He paused a moment. “Should education be limited to the wealthy and powerful, and if it were available to all, what would be the result?”
Joan’s brows knit together as she considered his question.
She sighed. “I see I’m going to have to organize my thoughts in a clearer fashion. Give me a moment.” She held up a finger.
Rowles replied with amusement, “Take all the time you need. I am enjoying our conversation immensely, and I hope I’m not pressuring you.”
“Not at all, I enjoy our discussions,” she said good-naturedly, then abruptly sobered. “To answer your questions, yes, I believe that education is directly correlated to success, but not exclusively. There are always exceptions to every rule, for example, the family of your birth.”
“But are there? Truly? Or are there justifications one wishes to exercise?”
“One question at a time.” She held up a hand. “Education offers something that one didn’t have previously. It’s a blessing. And for that blessing to only be offered to a man is tragedy, because women should be allowed that same opportunity in learning.”
“One would argue that a husband’s skills take priority over the wife’s,” he added cautiously.