Love in Disguise (The Leighs Book 2) by M.A. Nichols

Author:M.A. Nichols [Nichols, M.A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Rosanna marched forward and set off down the lane, though Mr. Tate remained fixed in place—no doubt stunned that anyone would deny him anything or have the gall to speak to him in such a manner. Odious man!

And foolish one, for he appeared at her elbow once more, fighting to keep pace with her. “I know your feelings are piqued, but if you would just listen—”

“Then I would be certain to agree with you?” she scoffed. “I am no simpleton, Mr. Tate. I am quite capable of understanding what you are saying, and I despise it.”

Holding onto that fire helped to evaporate the tears, so Rosanna clasped it tight. She didn’t want to fall to pieces in front of him. Gathering up all the memories of the past weeks, she added them like kindling to the flames. All the confidences she’d shared surged forward, heating her cheeks and constricting her heart.

Then his hand was at her elbow, and Rosanna jerked it away and spun in place.

“Miss Leigh—”

“How dare you, sir!” Her voice rose, and she forced it back down. Only just. “How dare you judge me and all other ladies for caring about income and security. Our future is entirely dependent on what our fathers set aside for our dowries and what our husbands bring to our union. So yes, we do look for gentlemen who can provide for us and our children.”

With a huff, she turned away. But she only managed two steps before she whipped around and faced him again.

“How dare you look down your nose at us, sir, painting us all like thieves and harlots grasping for your purse! You have inherited the sort of financial security most never hope to find, and then you stand there acting as though we ought to sympathize with you simply because your heart has been bruised a few times when your courtships have failed—such a great hardship!”

Rosanna paused, forcing the cynicism from her tone while Mr. Tate stood there, his eyes wide.

“We all have similar disappointments, but the difference between the ladies you scorn and yourself is that if we do not marry, we become a burden to our families and a laughingstock—the dreaded spinster, who is good for nothing and lives off the crumbs her father or brother leaves her. Being a wife is our profession, so why wouldn’t we strive to secure a good position?”

Straightening, she narrowed her gaze. “If you wish me to sympathize with your plight, Mr. Tate, I will gladly do so, for I know the pains and frustrations that come with courtship. I saw how plagued you were by people at the masquerade, and I am well aware of how hunted a wealthy bachelor is, for I was raised by a lady who is as mercenary as you feared me to be. But don’t you dare act as though your burden is greater than mine or the other ladies you disdain. You haven’t the tiniest notion what it is like to be us.”

Then, turning on her heel, she continued down the road.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.