That was likely true. But he did not like bargaining with vague things such as “help.” She could shade that any way she wanted. And yet he couldn’t resist looking through the papers. It didn’t take him long to see the flaw.
“This will not give me control of anything. I will slave on the repairs and get—”
“A handsome profit.”
“Assuming it is managed satisfactorily.”
She arched a brow. “I have done excellently so far.”
It was true. With his help, she had turned a significant profit. But she had not invested in the maintenance in her canals much less any improvements. And now she needed money that should have been spent years ago.
“Sell me these two and we have a bargain.” He pointed at the documentation of her two most problematic canals. He’d done the math. If a certain engineering design worked out as he hoped, he could have a steady source of income with minimal investment.
She shook her head. “I did not get to where I am by selling my assets.”
He had expected as much. “Then I’m afraid I cannot invest in your canals.”
“Then your sisters might as well marry Lincolnshire yokels, for they’ll find no one in London who will have them.” Her smile widened. “I’ll see to it.”
And here he saw Isabelle’s greatest strength and flaw combined in one statement. She was a smart woman with a focused mind who had accomplished impressive things. But she fixated on petty slights, refused to relinquish control, and wielded her single weapon—gossip—to devastating effect. The woman could have been a shining example of female independence. Instead, she obsessed on stupid things, all in the endless pursuit of control.
No matter what she threatened, he would work for her no longer.
“You would destroy my sisters simply because I wish to find my own business opportunity?”
“Yes.”
He sighed. “So be it.” There were worthy gentlemen outside of the Londonton. He would find a way. He rose from his seat. “Good day—”
“I believe I shall attend your masquerade ball tomorrow night.”
Her voice cut through his departure, and though he didn’t sit down again, he did raise his brows in surprise. “You hate masquerades. You’ve called them crass invitations to debauchery by boring people.”
“I have,” she said. “If putting on a mask is all it takes to excite your imagination, then that is a failure of imagination.”
“Then why attend?” he pressed.
“Because last year’s event was the talk of the Season.”
Last year had seen an attempted murder. “I doubt anything so exciting will happen this year.”
“Then why have it? I’m sure the expense is exorbitant.”
He dismissed her question with a casual wave. “As you said, last year’s was so successful. Aaron wanted to do it again.” That wasn’t the whole truth. Jackson wanted to cement his standing as the host of one of society’s most talked about events. It would help when launching his eldest sister next year. Even better, a masquerade allowed for a relaxed guest list. He could invite people who were wealthy investors but weren’t part of theton. The rich got to mix with the peerage, and he got to rub elbows with both. It was good business. Especially as he had a business concept that he wanted to explore with a few of them.
“I should like to attend,” she said firmly. “I should like to watch boring people with no imagination.”
Damnation, that was the last thing he wanted. Isabelle had a way of cocking up other people’s plans for her benefit. “You are welcome, of course, though I fear you will be disappointed in the plebian affair.”
“Perhaps I will find something to interest me.” Her gaze narrowed. “People who need to be warned against supporting your mad ideas.”
He grimaced. She intended to turn investors against him. It was a significant threat, but maybe not as dangerous as she wanted him to believe. Her patronage had opened doors for him, but he was the one who had walked through and established himself among the moneyedton. He suspected that this afternoon’s show was to cover a position that was weaker than she wanted him to believe.
Still, it was painful to feel her betrayal.
“You will do as you wish,” he said with heavy accents. “Always.”
“You are nothing without me.”