Louisa flushed. “She was never ill.”
Sir Aaron chuckled, a pleasant sound to her ears. She had never thought laughter could be considered handsome, but he proved her wrong.
“Allow me to help you,” he said. “Let me aid you in this search for your true destiny.”
Louisa smiled. “I would like to learn how to conduct business, how to deal in trade, or how to manage contracts. I want to learn that which so many men spend their lives pursuing.”
An image of them sitting on a blanket beneath the shade of a tree appeared in her mind. Birds performed a beautiful melody for them. The blades of grass rustled in the gentle breeze. Sir Aaron was instructing her and voiced his amazement at her ability to learn.
He would gaze down at her, his eyes filled with admiration. “You’ve proven to me how wrong I’ve been. Never again shall I doubt you. You’ve made me see women, in general, in a new light. Now, may I kiss you?”
The choir of birds would sing the agreement that lay on her heart, and Sir Aaron placed a gentle kiss on her lips. She shared more of her newfound knowledge, awing the knight all the more.
Then her daydream came to a crashing halt.
Rather than looking upon her with admiration, Sir Aaron was frowning. “The idea of women studying the intricate strategies that make up all aspects of business really is a waste of time. After all, what could they possibly do with such knowledge? But I believe I can make an exception for you. I would be happy to give you a few basic lessons, ones that can be far more effective than those presented in the book you took from Lord Walcott’s library. It’s rather advanced. I imagine most of its contents are quite confusing to you.”
His words pricked her daydream as efficiently as a needle to a soap bubble. The warmness that had filled her heart dissipated. Did he not hear how arrogant his words were?
Pulling her hand from his, she glared up at him. “Lord Walcott lent that book to me. I did not simply take it.”
Sir Aaron closed his eyes and sighed. “You are quick to assume the worst in me, Miss Dunston. I was not implying that you stole it, so allow me to rephrase my statement. The book youborrowedfrom Lord Walcott’s library.”
Louisa’s jaw tightened with anger. A moment ago, she was considering allowing this man to court her. To be romantic with her. Now, she wanted to be away from him. But not before slapping his handsome face!
“Now,” he continued, “if you accept my offer, I’d be happy to instruct you in the basics of business.” Was it her imagination or was his haughty grin widening? “But if I do this, you must promise to stop with this silly notion of taking it further than our studies. Women have no place in creating contracts or owning an enterprise. But understanding a barter or how to deal with a household account is essential to working with her husband’s money.”
Louisa clenched her fist. This man was a pigheaded buffoon! “Before I respond to your… generous offer,” she put as much derision into the term as she could muster, “why not explain why a handsome knight has no woman on his arm.”
Sir Aaron led her to a blue couch with white flowers and waited for her to sit before taking the place beside her. His strong jaw and the heady scent of oak and orange was making her lightheaded, and she prayed this closeness was not a ruse to lower her defenses.
“You are correct,” he said. “I am handsome. And although one would believe it is a gift, I’m here to say it is a curse. I’ve rejected many ladies, and each time I do, I hurt them. But finding a worthy woman is no easy task, I assure you. She must be from a good family, be obedient, and she must allow a man the peace he needs to function in society. That was what my father taught me, and he was right.” He let out a small sigh. “If we’re honest, Miss Dunston, women tend to be more of a burden than a blessing. Oh, they are necessary for several reasons—like bearing children or seeing to the daily running of a household.”
He smiled at her, and she had to swallow back the desire to laugh outright. “And what of their duty to raise these children?” she demanded.
“There are servants who can help, so how difficult can it be? My mother had few problems, and she had only a nanny for my sister and me.”
For a moment, Louisa imagined Mrs. Rutley applauding her for taking one of the beast’s ledgers off the shelf and hitting him across the head with it. How difficult could it be, indeed!
“I’m beginning to see why you believe women are a burden, sir,” she replied, not caring that her words were waspish. “You don’t listen. I explained that, like you, I hope to do something great with my life. How am I to learn what that is if I’m discouraged from reading certain books? Why should I not be allowed to study that which I find fascinating, even if it falls outside what custom dictates? Do you truly believe my destiny lies with me sitting in a drawing room working on embroidery? Even the Queen has greater expectations!”
It was not the shake of his head that caused her ire to boil over. Nor was it the laugh that accompanied it. Rather it was the words that tumbled from his lips. “I’m handsome and you’re beautiful. Is it not in your best interest for me to continue to call on you? After all, it’s what is expected of people such as you and I.”
“What are you saying?” she demanded, her jaw aching from how tightly it was clenched.
He patted her hand as if she were a child who needed help in understanding a simple point. “It only makes sense that we marry. I can then guide you in your search for whatever it is you feel you need. Perhaps I’ll even allow you access to my ledgers—for study, of course. And as long as you tell no one.”
In one quick motion, Louisa pulled her hand from his and stood. “Your arrogance knows no bounds! You believe I would marry—or even allow you to court me—based solely on your appearance?”
Sir Aaron came to his feet. “Surely, you’re not saying you wish to marry a plain-looking man? Yes, it’s done all the time, but for marriages of convenience. How often are two such attractive people thrown together as we have been? It only demonstrates how intertwined our destinies are.”
Louisa groaned and buried her face in her hands. “I wish to marry for love, Sir Aaron. I want someone who will love the woman I truly am.” When the knight frowned, she sighed. “I’m sure you’ve heard the word before. Oh, what does it matter? I don’t want your instruction. Nor do I need your guidance in my destiny. I’m more than capable of finding it on my own. And certainly not with a man like you!”
She turned to leave, but he grabbed hold of her arm. “Love is only found in books, Miss Dunston. In fairy tales and novels, all with fictional characters. And don’t pretend you are not as arrogant as I.” He paused, and a smile crossed his features. “I’ve just made a wonderful realization.”
Louisa’s breath caught. Did he finally see how foolish he was being? Perhaps he had seen the error of his ways and would apologize.
“I’m sure you remember our argument in the library at Foxly Manor,” he continued. “We disagreed then just as we are now. And I know exactly what you need to help you keep that temper of yours in check.”