A Scandalous Proposal by Julia Justiss Page B

see—”
    â€œAnd haven’t you believed—and I share that belief emphatically—that such a business would be even more successful than your bonnet shop, for once a lady was seen abroad in an entirely attractive ensemble, other ladies would flock to have their own toilettes redesigned so as not to be outdone?”
    â€œTrue, but—”
    â€œAnd haven’t you commented that establishing such an enterprise would require more space—fitting rooms, a workroom for seamstresses and their assistants, a storeroom for fabrics and materials, and a larger design office?”
    She began to follow his reasoning. “Yes, I’ve dreamedof such an establishment, and yes, the shop would offer sufficient space were I to convert the rooms I now occupy. But to make such changes requires a great deal more capital than I possess, or hope to possess anytime soon.”
    There came a knock and a beaming Francesca entered with the tea tray. Torn between excitement, exasperation and a strong urge to weep, Emily fell silent.
    He had not brought her to a love nest. He wanted her to move so she might expand her business.
    She dared not admit how strongly the elegant room called out to her, surrounded as she was by the plainness of the shop and its workaday neighborhood. How desperately at that moment she wished she could, in truth, afford to rent this beautiful dwelling.
    Her eyes making an awed inspection of the room, Francesca handed her a cup. “Ah, mistress, is it not belo! And perfect for you, yes?”
    â€œYes. No—oh, I suppose.” After the maid bustled out, Emily turned to Evan. “I’m flattered you think such an enterprise could succeed. But not by any stretch of my most hopeful imagination could I come up with the funds to make such a move now.”
    â€œEmily, how do you think enterprises expand? And don’t give me that ‘idle aristocrat’ look. I know a thing or two about business, and few who hope to be truly successful wait upon a venture until they have all the funds necessary. With a vision, talent and courage, they convince investors to advance the cash.” He paused to take a sip. “Well, my dear, it just so happens that I am such an investor. In several different enterprises. And my business sense tells me that investing in the expansion of ‘Madame Emilie’ would be a wise financial move indeed.”
    She stared at him, the teacup halfway to her lips. “You? An investor?”
    â€œWe aristocrats must make our filthy lucre somehow,since we can’t dirty our own idle hands at the business. I’ve contacts with the City that might astonish you.” He chuckled. “You do look a bit astonished.”
    He had to prompt her to sip her tea, so furiously was her mind working. It would be a challenge to design an entire ensemble, all of it conceived with taste and discretion. And it truly did offend her eye when she spotted a client wearing one of her creations with some hideous gown or spencer that nullified the pleasing effects of her hard work.
    But to have Evan provide the capital? Would that not just obligate her even further to him? And would he truly have thought to invest in the business, were he not only too transparently interested in getting her out of her quarters above the shop?
    His finger under her chin startled her and she nearly spilled her half-cold tea. “Well? Despite that forbidding frown, I defy you to find logical fault in the proposal.”
    She didn’t know how to word her objections without offending him. He bristled at any reference to her indebtedness, and she could read in his hopeful, expectant look that he thought he’d finally found a gift she would be delighted to accept.
    â€œFor one, I haven’t any idea how much capital I would need, nor how I would go about repaying my—investor. And even should I expand the business, I don’t see how I could afford a dwelling as