Aaron went to respond, but Mr. Connelly did not give him the opportunity.
“So, I retreated to my study with a bottle of brandy, but even there I’ve no respite. Drat it all! I don’t want to use that room as a sanctuary as well as work. And with four daughters, every other room is occupied with one project or another. The parlor has the best light, so Priscilla uses it for her painting. The library is Constance’s refuge as she spends every minute of every day reading. The pianoforte was moved into the ballroom for Miriam to practice her playing and Martha her singing. If I hadn’t put my foot down, Mary would have found a use for my study as well! If you’re able to build this gentlemen’s club as you propose, my life will be much more bearable, for I’ll finally have a place where I can be a man.”
When the man stopped to take a breath, Aaron used that opportunity to speak. “That is precisely why I wish to purchase the theater—to give us men the chance to escape the women who consume so much of our time and space. I couldn’t agree with you more, Mr. Connelly. We need a place to call our own.”
In the past, this argument had little effect on Aaron. He had no woman in his life who took up his time and space, so the words held little meaning for him. Now, however, an image of Miss Louisa came to mind. The thought of not being in her company, of leaving her alone, sent a wave of sadness washing over him. A man did not treat the woman for whom he cared with such disregard.
What is your rationale, then, for building a place she cannot enter?he wondered.
It was the same as it always had been. His destiny. Right or wrong, the gentlemen’s club was the best place to begin the journey toward the life he was meant to lead.
“And we shall, Sir Aaron,” Mr. Connelly said as he set down his teacup. “When my Miriam marries, her husband will no doubt want somewhere to go. She’s like her mother with all her questions and nonstop chatter.”
Aaron smiled. Louisa had an inquisitive nature as well. In the beginning, her badgering had frustrated him, but that was forever changed. Now he enjoyed their discussions, their banter.
“It does not help that she’s plain-looking.”
It took every ounce of restraint for Aaron not to react. Did he just hear the man say his daughter was plain? What father described his daughter thus? Granted, Miss Miriam was not beautiful, but neither was she homely. She would make some man happy, one day. It just would not be him.
“Now, don’t play innocent with me,” Mr. Connelly said. “A wise man is able to admit when his daughter is lacking. And Miriam is just that.” His lowered brows gave him a calculating look. “By the way, she’s requested that you take a stroll around the gardens with her. She’s waiting for you in the parlor. Will you do this for me? One good turn and all.”
Aaron’s mind raced. He did not want to betray Miss Louisa’s trust. After all, they were courting now. Neither did he want to give Miss Miriam the wrong impression. Not anymore. Yet if this stroll resulted in another investor, could he refuse?
No, he could not. Mr. Connelly’s investment was far too important.
Aaron stood. “I’d like nothing more than the chance for good company,” he said, putting out his hand. “We have an agreement, then, pertaining to the club?”
Mr. Connelly rose and shook his hand. “We do. We can discuss the particulars once Barker agrees to sell. And enjoy my daughter’s company.” His eyes twinkled as he said this last.
Miss Miriam wore a dark-blue gown with yellow and green embroidered flowers on the bosom and around the bottom hem of the skirts. In her lap was an embroidery hoop, her hands working the needle deftly. Behind her stood a woman in livery, likely her lady’s maid. So, she had expected him to accept the offer to accompany her. That did not bode well for him.
“Sir Aaron,” she said as if surprised by his sudden appearance, although her eyes said she had expected him to come to her. She set aside her embroidery and dropped into a low curtsy. “How wonderful to see you again.”
“And you, as well,” he replied with a bow.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it,” Mr. Connelly said. “And Miriam, don’t bombard him with questions. Allow a man to speak and be thankful he’s taken time from his busy schedule to share in your company.”
Miss Miriam dropped her gaze. “Yes, Father.”
For some strange reason Aaron could not explain, he felt pity for this young lady. How many women had he made feel as dejected as this father did? The disgust he had for himself did not sit well in his stomach.
“Shall we?” he asked, forcing a smile as he offered his arm.
With her lady’s maid following behind, Aaron allowed Miss Miriam to lead him out to the rear gardens of the house. Several gardeners tilled the soil in preparation for spring planting, none even glancing in their direction as they began their stroll down the cobbled footpath. Perhaps he should tell her about Miss Louisa, so there was no misunderstanding.
“Did Father agree to join you in your business venture?” Miss Miriam asked.
Aaron nodded. “He did.”
“I’m very happy for you. I made sure to speak highly of you, just as you asked.”
That tiny tug of guilt began to gnaw at Aaron. “Thank you. I greatly appreciate what you did. More than you can know.”
The path split in two directions to encircle a grassy area with a bird bath in the middle. To the far right sat a bench, and she led him there.
“I hope you don’t mind if we sit,” she said, giving him a demure smile. “I woke up earlier than usual to prepare for your visit. I hope I can compare to the ladies of London.”
Aaron wanted nothing more than to leave. But he had brought this all upon himself and therefore had to remain. “Your dress is lovely. You really shouldn’t have gone to such trouble for my arrival. I’m just a simple man.”