Chapter Three #3
“Pity,” he murmured. Before she could answer, he said, “Of course, I ask these questions only to understand your view on the matter... as a means of scientific enquiry into your beliefs.” His voice had returned to its previous innocuous tone.
“So, how can I be of assistance? We don’t agree on any of the fundamental issues so far canvassed. ” He strode back to his desk.
Was he playing with her for some unknown reason? Perhaps just because he could? Because he held the power both in this world and in this conversation?
Jane took several deep breaths to calm herself. She must make a logical argument. “We need you, Lord Dalton. To spread our message and gain respect for our cause.”
“You say your cause needs me. I ask, who needs me most? My country needs me, therefore, I will serve in the parliament. My family needs me, therefore, I pay their bills and keep the family affairs profitable. My sister needs me, therefore, I assist her in her charities and escort her in society. Now you say your society for women’s rights needs me to promote your message.
Why? What is in it for my country? My family?
My sister? Me?” His voice had hardened as he spoke. Now he paused for her answer.
She didn’t have one. Her hands clenched together at her waist.
His tone softened. “Do you need me, Miss Brody?”
There it was again, his inappropriate innuendo.
Anger flared in her belly. “I do not need, nor want, your flirtation, Lord Dalton. What I need from you is your respect from one equal human being to another. What the Society for the Equal Rights of Women needs is your support in changing the attitude of society to women so they are treated as equal to men. Once that has occurred, all the other changes, to education, limiting family size, employment in public roles, and female independence will flow on from it.”
He sighed and pinned her with his steady gaze.
“Miss Brody, we live in an age when all men are not equal. In fact, all men are not fully employed. If, as you say, this change in equality will lead to women taking public roles, how will those men, who have wives and children who don’t want public roles nor education, support them if there are even fewer jobs for men?
” A furrow of annoyance slashed a line between his eyebrows.
The anger that smoldered in Jane flared hotter, and she had trouble steadying her voice.
“Women must have the ability to support themselves and their children when there are no men to support them. Otherwise we have the situation that currently exists that good, honest, and chaste women are forced to lie, steal, and prostitute themselves to just survive!”
The Marquess leaned against his oak desk. “All right, Miss Brody, I will consider your proposal.”
Jane took a step forward, thanks ready on her lips, but Lord Dalton’s next words halted her.
“However, I give no guarantee that I will assist you, only that I will consider doing so.” He paused.
“We will have to continue our discussion of the issue and the ways and means by which it may be best to further your cause, should I agree.”
“Yes, of course, my lord.” Her voice betrayed her exasperation.
Dalton straightened from his desk. “Are you attending the charity ball being held tomorrow evening at Mrs. Courtice’s home? I’m escorting Lady Elizabeth, as our aunt prefers to attend only ton events.”
The conversation’s sudden change of direction caught Jane by surprise. She nodded.
“Ah... well, I shall see you there then... unless you will accept my escort as well? If so, my sister and I shall collect you from your home.”
Jane hesitated to spend any more time than necessary in the Marquess’s disturbing company, but she would gain another opportunity to convince him to support their cause. “Thank you, I would be honored. However, my sister, Anna, is also to attend. Would your carriage have room for her?”
“Indeed. I would be happy to escort your sister also. And your chaperone, of course.”
“Mrs. Courtice is our nominal chaperone at such functions, although I consider myself far too old to require one,” Jane said.
He quirked an eyebrow and offered Jane his arm. “Let me return you to my sister. She is probably in the morning room.”
Jane hesitated, then placed her still-trembling hand on his arm. Muscles hard and inflexible lay beneath her fingers.
Dalton opened the study door and drew her outside.
He waved Jones away as he approached and strode along the hall to the morning room.
Turning to Jane, he took her hand in his and bowed over it.
“I wish you a good morning, Miss Brody. I look forward to accompanying you and your sister to Mrs. Courtice’s ball.
Please reserve the first dance and the supper dance for me. ” He smiled at her, his dark eyes warm.
Jane stifled a gasp of surprise at his change of manner.
“So that we may talk at our leisure about your cause, of course,” added Lord Dalton, his face a bland mask of civility.
She didn’t trust him for one minute.