“You’re very well educated. I couldn’t tolerate you if you weren’t.”
Her sister shrugged. “I’ve decided to broaden my appearance of an education.”
“Well, don’t go overboard. You know Mama says that men hate smart women.”
“You’re smart and Lord Sayres doesn’t seem to hate you.”
Gwen looked out the window. “Lord Sayres is an exception. And we are not courting. We’re trying to make a fortune.”
Lilah didn’t comment, except to refold an undergarment that Gwen had thrown into the portmanteau. Normally Webster would be doing it, but their maid was right then rushing to pack her own things for the two-week journey. And when Gwen grabbed her softest and most favorite gown, Lilah gently took it from her hand and put it back into the wardrobe.
“Bring the blue gown instead.” When Gwen started to interrupt, her sister shook her head. “I know you like that one, but it has stains, rips, and looks like you’re wearing a sack.”
Gwen knew it was true. “It’s still my favorite.”
“Maybe the blue will become your new favorite.”
Gwen chose to leave her clothing choices to her sister. Lilah cared much more about that sort of thing, and she always knew what to do. Gwen focused on gathering the books she would need, her sketchbook, and her notes.
“It really doesn’t bother you then?” her sister asked, seemingly out of the blue.
“What?”
“Going into trade.”
Gwen looked up to see her sister was speaking delicately, as if Lilah knew the words might upset her. They didn’t. They just confused her.
“I want an independent fortune. If I cannot inherit it, then it must be found another way.”
Lilah nodded as if that were the normal way of thinking which it was not. Even Gwen knew she was unusual in this.
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” her sister persisted. “You’re perfect, titled, and have a good dowry. You could marry a man with money.”
“After a dozen Seasons, I believe I’ve seen my options in that regard. An independent fortune is my choice.”
“Of course, of course. But…” Lilah busied herself by placing the blue gown neatly into the portmanteau. “People will look down on you for it. It will damage your reputation. His as well.”
She knew it was true. For some strange reason, the aristocracy seemed to prize lazy men who inherited their wealth and did nothing but enjoy it. And of course Lilah would be well aware of theton’sthoughts. She was constantly reminded that as a by-blow, she didn’t measure up to their standards.
Gwen, on the other hand, thought the aristocracy remarkably stupid. She found Lord Sayres’ industry attractive. His mind was constantly working—just as hers was—and that made him a man of action. Assuming they could find a way to communicate their ideas to one another, she had very high hopes for their business. She just had to accept the increased speed at which they were doing things.
Speaking of which, his lordship was due in fifteen minutes and Gwen had no desire to make him wait. She looked over at the carefully packed portmanteau. Lilah had done a much better job than Gwen ever would.
“You’re perfect in every way too, you know,” Gwen said softly. “I hate that I’m leaving you just when I said I’d—”
“Hush.” Her sister came forward and clasped Gwen’s hands. “You cannot solve my problems for me.”
“Not without a fortune of my own.”
“But you can change that hideous gown. Lord Sayres will be quite put off if he has to see you wearing that for the entire trip.”
Gwen looked down at herself. “But it’s my travelling gown. It’s comfortable, it doesn’t restrict—”
Lilah looked at her steadily. “Don’t you want to be in your best looks for him?”
“Why? We are not showing off the flowers yet. He needs me for my knowledge of botany, not my gown.”
“Because you like him. Because you kissed him—”